Imerys hired the notorious attorney Frank Parker from Fort Worth, Texas to destroy support for the union in Sylacauga, Alabama. There is little doubt that this effort is also being directed by Dennis Redeker, the former CEO of English China Clays and a member of the Imerys Managing Board. Mr. Redeker has developed his own reputation for destroying unions and treating workers harshly,

According to our information, Imerys supervisors have received intensive instruction from Frank Parker on how to communicate anti-union messages to workers in Sylacauga and campaign against the union.

Supervisors were given a detailed manual on how to accomplish this. This manual refutes statements made by Imerys management to French unions that the company is not campaigning against the union.

PACE received a copy of this manual from an anonymous source. We have reprinted excerpts from it to help union supporters understand how far Imerys is willing to go to keep out the union.

Why Be Union Free? (according to Imerys)

"The only groups that do not benefit from a union-free operation are the unions themselves and federal regulatory agencies."

Recognizing the Early Warning Signs of Union Activity

"It is extremely important that supervisors react in a quick, positive and aggressive manner following the first signs of union organizing. A delayed reaction is almost always damaging and often fatal to Company efforts to remain union-free."

"Employees forming in groups that include individuals who do not normally associate with each other."

"Avoidance of supervision - employees clam up."

"Non-union people begin meeting and talking with known union members."

What Management Can Do (to keep out the union)

"Give opinions on union and union leaders, even in derogatory terms."

"Inform employees of the disadvantages of belonging to the union."

"Inform employees that the law permits you to hire a new employee to replace any employee who goes on strike for economic reasons."

"Inform employees of known racketeering or other undesirable elements which may be active in the union."

"Distribute information about unions."

Disadvantages of Union Representation (talking points to discourage union support)

"Loss of personal freedom, individuality, and possibility of strikes."

"Union representation has a hefty price tag."

"The cost of operating the Company will go up."

"Union shop stewards will be constantly looking over our shoulder."

"Unionization means a great deal of time may be spent by supervisors in dealing with petty gripes and grievances."

"Unionization means that management cannot get wholehearted cooperation and support in solving problems."

"Unions often generate feelings of distrust toward supervisors."