Labor union sued by member over alleged breach of representation following termination

GRETNA – A clerical worker is suing a labor union she belongs to claiming it did not properly represent her in actions against another labor union.

Katherine Ann Musacchia filed suit against Plumbers and Steamfitters Local Union #60 and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local Union #130 in the 24th Judicial District Court on Dec. 16.

Musacchia claims she was employed by the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local Union #130 for over a four year period when they allegedly improperly ended her employment and that the labor union she belongs to, Plumbers and Steamfitters Local Union #60, did not do enough to represent her in the matter. The plaintiff alleges that she was employed as s clerical worker for the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local Union #130 through a contract provided by the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local Union #130 and that only after her former boss quit, was she fired due to a supposed “reduction in force.”

Musacchia contends that she filed a grievance with her Plumbers and Steamfitters Local Union #60 whose representatives allegedly told her she had an “open and shut case,” but when her grievance was heard in front of an arbitrator on July 22, 2014, over a year after her firing, it was found she had been terminated for cause. The plaintiff asserts she has never been provided a copy of the arbitration hearing’s findings and that the Plumbers and Steamfitters Local Union #60 misrepresented her and provided inadequate representation in the proceedings. In fact, Musacchia claims she was wrongfully told by officials with Plumbers and Steamfitters Local Union #60 that she did not need a lawyer to represent her in the matter and instead was represented by the union president who allegedly later admitted that he had never taken part in an arbitration hearing before.

The defendant is accused of breaching the duty of fair representation and breach of contract.

An unspecified amount in damages is sought for back pay, loss of benefits, loss of medical insurance and attorneys fees.

Musacchia is represented by attorney Charles A. Verderame of Metairie.

The case has been assigned to Division E Judge John J. Molaison Jr.

Case no. 745-163.