News

Pizza Time employees fired for striking

February 14, 2005

The Olympian: A manager at Pizza Time in Olympia, Wash., had no Valentine's Day love for several employees who began an impromptu strike over the Feb. 12-13 weekend. On Feb. 14, he fired nine strikers who claimed they were disappointed with management and the conditions of the restaurant's facilities.

Two employees already had been fired since owner Richard Kelley hired new managers to improve business last week. On Feb. 14, the new managers fired the remaining nine employees.

The employees said they were planning to organize a union, but had not done so as of the day they were fired.

"They have the right to picket, but unfortunately, they are no longer employed with me," said manager Shane Bloking. "They didn't call or show up for work, so I fired them."

Alex Wentz, one of the picketers, said he rejected the firing and was hoping to speak with owner Richard Kelley sometime this week. Kelley was in Mexico on Monday.

Wentz accused Bloking and Kelley of not respecting his right to organize a union.

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