We prefer to deal with our associates directly rather than through a third party. The more filters a communicated message goes through, the greater the chance of misunderstanding the original message.

We encourage associates and management to work together to solve problems and create a positive working environment.

We always desire to deal with our associates openly, honestly, fairly and without discrimination, treating each person with the dignity they deserve.

No business is free from day-to-day problems or issues, but we are motivated to have the policies, practices and personnel to help resolve issues, without the intervention of outsiders. Outsiders may know very little about what it takes for our company to be successful in our highly competitive industry.

Unions often add to the cost of operating a facility through restrictive work rules, and prevent companies from flexibly responding to ever-changing business conditions.

The presence of a union can forever change the relationships between managers, supervisors and associates. A contract would force associates to go through a union steward instead of talking directly with management.

In a union environment, associates would be forced to pay dues if a union security clause was in the contract. If associates refused to pay these fees, they risk the union demanding their termination.

With a union, all current wages, benefits and working conditions are subject to negotiations. Team members could end up with less, more or the same. There are no guarantees in any negotiation.

Currently, wages and benefits are reviewed annually at our company. We do not have to wait until the expiration of a contract to consider improvements.