NEW YORK — Judge William H. Pauley of the Southern District of New York Court has dismissed Cintas Corp.’s Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) lawsuit against UNITE HERE, the International Brotherhood of the Teamsters, and the Change to Win coalition.
“The complaint is not [a] ‘short and plain statement,’” says Pauley in his ruling. “It is a manifesto by a Fortune 500 company that is more a public relations piece than a pleading.”
“Cintas does not have the right to operate free from any criticism, organized or not,” Pauley continued, noting the constitutional free-speech protection given to labor activities.
“This is a victory not only for Cintas workers — and all working families — across the country, but a victory for free speech,” says Bruce Raynor, general president of UNITE HERE. “This decision will hopefully end the absurd practice of using RICO lawsuits to try to criminalize worker organizing.”
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