Labor dispute leads to strike

Single Sign-On: You can use Facebook account to log in to LasVegasSun.com. (We will use your first and last name from your profile.)
Trusted Commenting: Facebook connected users automatically become trusted commenters.

Friday, July 11, 2003 | 11:07 a.m.

Some workers at Al Phillips the Cleaner went on strike Tuesday in front of the company's main Las Vegas plant, claiming unfair labor practices and unfair treatment by the company, a union said.

Workers favoring the Union of Needletrades, Industrial and Textile Employees (UNITE) struck the plant, UNITE said. Al Phillips officials declined comment.

Some workers walked off their jobs last week but agreed to return to work after the union negotiated an agreement with the company that it would recognize the union when it demonstrated that a majority of workers wanted union representation, UNITE said.

The union claims the company has reneged on the agreement and has harassed and intimidated workers in support of the union.

Al Phillips, based in Kansas City, is the largest retail dry cleaner in the city with more than 15 locations in Las Vegas. The company serves several major resorts, including the Mirage, MGM Grand, Caesars Palace and Bellagio.