A New York-based solar panel company is facing allegations of union-busting practices after placing 40% of its workforce on furlough for over a year, just days after a successful union election.
EmPower Solar, located in Bethpage, witnessed installers and technicians reaching out to the United Auto Workers (UAW) due to concerns about working conditions and on-the-job challenges. Despite opposition from the company and consultants specializing in union avoidance, the workers at EmPower voted to join UAW Local 259 on December 22. However, a mere week after the election victory on December 30, EmPower furloughed 21 workers until 2025, prompting UAW Local 259 to label it as a "union-busting" tactic.
EmPower countered these claims, asserting that the decision had nothing to do with the UAW or the union vote but was solely a response to a business slowdown. The company faced criticism from furloughed workers and union representatives, who believed the move was a direct attempt to deter employees from unionizing.
Daniel Lozano, one of the furloughed employees and a solar installer at EmPower since April 2023, expressed dissatisfaction with the compensation for the job's inherent dangers and pressures. He emphasized that the union drive stemmed from the desire for workers' concerns to be heard by management, seeking fair treatment, a livable wage, and job security.
Despite EmPower's claims that the furlough was unrelated to the unionization efforts, the company had previously filed an unfair labor practice charge against the union just before the election, alleging coercion. The union responded with its own charges against EmPower related to the layoffs, coercion, and intimidation.
In response to criticisms, EmPower cited macroeconomic factors, such as high interest rates, leading to a decrease in demand for solar products. The company mentioned that it has had to reduce its workforce multiple times due to economic conditions affecting various businesses.
The conflict has intensified as EmPower continues to post job openings on its website, including positions for solar installers. UAW Local 259 remains steadfast, vowing not to be bullied and highlighting the irony of a solar panel company laying off workers a week after a union election. The situation underscores the challenges of achieving a just transition to green energy, especially with only 4% of US solar workers currently belonging to unions.