UNITE implicated in lawsuit

By Staff -- Home Textiles Today, 5/9/2002 12:00:00 AM

Los Angeles — The National Right to Work Legal Defense Foundation (NRTW) announced that it has helped Matthew Kahn file a lawsuit against the Union of Needletrades, Industrial and Textile Employees (UNITE).

The lawsuit, which was filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court, alleges UNITE employee Ramiro Hernandez and several "union militants" attacked Kahn in the parking lot of the temporary employment agency Labor Ready in Commerce, CA. According to the lawsuit, Kahn suffered a concussion and several gashes on his head as a result of the attack.

It is further alleged UNITE leaders later provided Hernandez with bail money and that he possesses an "extensive arrest record."

Kahn, a branch manager for Labor Ready, was providing replacement employees in May 2001 to Hollander Home Fashions. At the time Hollander was embroiled in a strike with its factory workers. Hollander is based in Boca Raton, FL, but operates several plants throughout the United States.

According to Dan Cronin, director of legal information for the NRTW, the suit is seeking damages for time lost from work, hospitalization costs and punitive damages. Under California law, punitive damages are determined by the court following an investigative period.