You are holding a blank, self-addressed and stamped Decertification Petition in your hands. Please take the time to read it thoroughly. In order for us to decertify the Union we must sign and return them ASAP. No, this will not get us out of the Union, t will however, give us a chance to hear from both sides on this matter. No hearsay, no rumors, no lies, just the facts. When we get at least 30% of the workers signatures we can call for a new election. No matter what side you are on, this is the only way you will know the truth. Legally, Nabors Hands for a New Vote is required to give the Labor Board, Nabors, and the Union the list of Nabors employees who sign the petition. This is the only way then can verify your eligibility to vote. Yes, both sides will know who signed the  Decertification Petition and both sides will also know who did not sign. However, the new election will be a secret ballot; no one will know how you voted.  Stand up for what is right! Discuss it with your family. Do you really want some stranger telling you how you can or cannot make a living for them? Make sure your spuse/family know to keep this petition in a safe place until you can sign it and send it in; this pettition could be the most important document ou receive through out your entire oil field career! Exercise your right to know the truth and to make educated choices. Sign the petition and send it back as soon as possible.

September 19, 2002

To:         All Nabors Employees
From:    Kevin Daugherty
Subject: Roughnecks won't Accept Lies or Tricks

As the Attorney for the Alaska Laborers, I have been asked by some Nabors Rigworkers whether Ben Bearden's letter is legally accurate. The direct answer is NO. His letters falsely state that "legally" he must give the list of his signers to Nabors Management and the Union. This is absolutely a false statement of the law. The feceral NLRA have clearly stated that the names of employees signing petitions are confidential and will not be released. This is a right for every U.S. worker! In fact this legal protection of workers confidentiality can be confirmed by telephing the NLRB itself in Anchorage at 271-5015 or in the case of Howard Johnson Inc. 618-F2d, (6th Cir-1980). Worse, Bearden's letter is not only false but appears to be a trick, supported by management, to totally evade any vote whatsoever. His trick would be to give the petition to management (not just the NLRB!) who could then evade the union and cut wages and benefits if he happens to get over 50% signed to his petition. Don't fall for such a scam. Nabors Roughnecks should not suffer any wage cuts and deserve the miodest request, 2/3rds of you respectfully asked of the Oil Industry and Nabors; the Alaska Laborers Pension, Alaska Laborers Heaalth insurance with retiree coverage, and a modest wage increase. Why would anyone want to trick hard working Alaska Oilfield employees out of fair wages?

Sincerely,
Kevin Daugherty
Attorney for Alaska Laborers Union

Well, I see that old Ben must be looking for a new rig to go to, or at least keep a job since the last time a desertification letter by him came out. He was looking for a new position and guess what - new letter, new joby? GOOD LUCK BEN!!!

Well boys, don't be duped by this new petition letter because it's full of half-truths. Ben says that by signing this petition that you will hear from both sides?!!! Well, you've alread been hearing from the Union side. You know we've been working for you to keep wages up, helping with the families that have had their loved ones hurt in fires and explosions and the list goes on. By the way, you guys that have been laid off have been able to go to work out of the different Union Halls and nobody has paid a penny!

What has Nabors done? All I hear is Ben and his buddies telling us about rumors, hearsay and lies? What side do you really believe? Ben says that both sides wil know who signed the desertification petition or not. Well guess what? The only person that will have that information is Ben and HE will tell Nabors who did and did not sign them. Don't let anyone threaten you. Ben also talks about family and that this could be the most important document you receive in your entire oilfield career. He's wrong again! The most important document you can receive is a Contract signed by you, Nabors and the Union for a modest Wage Increase and Loborers Health Insurance and most importantly, Alaska Laborers Pension. What sounds more family oriented? Ben's plan that only benefits him or a contract that benefits all of us and OUR families? We have been working hard for you and your families. Signing Ben's Desertification Petition will get rid of any hope in building a better future for you and your families. Stand up for what is right! Stay the course!

I, Roberta Mason, just talked with Norm Hayashi at the NLRB and this is the information he gave me. If you have questions concerning decertification, please  call Norm at 271-5015.

I asked Norm how a person would go about holding a decertification vote. He said an employee would talk to other employees and then would need to get 30% of the employees to sign a petition for decertification. That petition would be turned in to the NLRB.

I asked how a person could get names and addresses of employees to contact them by mail. He said that the employer and the union should have a list of names and addresses and a person could get a list from either one.

I asked if it was permissable for a person to show the employer a list of employees who signed a petition for decertification and he said yes, it was. I asked Norm if the employer received a list of employees who voted to join a union and he said no, that list would be handled by the NLRB. But, he explained that signing or not signing a decertification petition was not considered a vote in that an employee could sign the petition but if a vote was taken still vote to join a union.

However, he said to be very cautious about signing a decertification petition as the employer could use that petition as a reason to quit negotiating with the employees or the union. Norm said the petition could also be used for other things. He emphasized that such a petition could be used for purposes other than what the announced purpose was. Norm said that you should think seriously before signing a decertification petition, make sure you know all the ramifications, and make sure you know that is really what you want.

Decertify Your Union

It was recently read in a newspaper where employees from the Seattle Nordstrom store voted to decertify their
Union. A leader for the Nordstrom employees said, "Unions want to take our money, and we have to say no".

I must agree with the leader mentioned above, as I belong to a union, and I must also give my Union $40.00 of my
hard earned money per month. All that I get in return for my monthly dues is:
 

My Union is very democratic, and regularly asks my input. What is wrong with our Union leaders anyway, running a Union like this? My Union leadership tells me that I am the Union. Some nerve huh? Who do they think they are anyway?

Unions are really terrible, that's for sure. I think that I will contact the National Labor Relations Board and see if I can get my Uniion decertified. I am sick and tired of the Union doing all of these things for me.

Just think, when all of the benefits are gone, and I am working for $4.25 per hour, at least I won't have to pay any more of those lousy Union dues.

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