Laid Off Labor Union Activists Sue Labor Union for Unfair Labor Practices

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As it helps push for legislation that would make it easier for workers to organize, the country's fastest growing union is engaged in its own labor dispute with employees it is seeking to lay off.

The Service Employees International Union, considered the most influential union in the nation, has notified the union that represents about 220 of the SIU's national field staff members and organizers that it is laying off 75 of the employees.

In return, the workers union, which goes by the somewhat postmodern name of the Union of Union Representatives, has filed charges of unfair labor practices against the SEIU with the National Labor Relations Board. The workers union's leaders say that the SEIU is engaging in the same kind of practis that some businesses use: laying off workers without proper notice, contacting out work to temporary-staffing firms, banning union activities and reclassifying workers to reduce union numbers.

While the SEIU would sue or strike against businesses that do the same thing, SEIU officials say the layoffs are part of a long-running plan to reallocate resources. The dispute comes at an awkward moment for the SEIU, which is helping lead the push for the pro-labor Employee Fee Choice Act, also known as "card check."

Officials have made it clear that the laid-off employees will not be guaranteed jobs at local chapters.

Oh, the delicious irony.