Legislature’s Workers’ Caucus Sends Letter To Senate Economic Development Committee Members, Opposing O’Neill Confirmation

We, the undersigned members of the Working Vermonters’ Caucus write in strong opposition to the confirmation of Karen O’Neill to a neutral seat on the Vermont Labor Relations Board. As indicated by her résumé, Ms. O’Neill has a long history in management, including as an attorney and shareholder at Gravel & Shea, a firm that touts its history of “successfully defeat[ing] union organizing drives.” We have seen no evidence of countervailing experience in Labor that might qualify her to credibly serve as a neutral member.

While Ms. O’Neill might be eminently qualified to serve as a management member of the board, her appointment as a neutral makes a mockery of the Labor Board process, and would leave working Vermonters with little faith that their cases before the Board would be adjudicated in a fair manner.

Thank you for your consideration of this crucially important matter.

Respectfully.

Rep. Johannah Donovan, Co-Chair

Rep. Cynthia Weed, Co-Chair

cc:

The Honorable Alison Clarkson

The Honorable Philip Baruth

The Honorable Becca Balint