Disputed Votes To Determine Union Election

The outcome of last week's Gnomon copy workers' union election is inconclusive, pending a National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) decision on the use of nine challenged ballots critical to the election's outcome.

The workers rejected, 39-36, the Distributive Workers of America's District 65's offer to represent them in labor negotiations.

Contest

Nine additional ballots are contested; two by Gnomon management, six by the union and one by the NLRB.

The New England office of the NLRB will recommend action on the challenges to the national board after reviewing the case, Robert N. Garner, an NLRB spokesman, said yesterday.

Garner said the New England office hopes to present its recommendation on the contested ballots to the NLRB by May 13.

No Change

John J. Sytek, Gnomon vice president, said yesterday that the outcome would not change if the controversial ballots are counted.

If the votes debated by the union and the NLRB count in favor of unionization, a tie will result, Sytek said. A tie vote defeats the attempt to unionize the Gnomon copy workers, according to NLRB rules.

James J. Brigazliano, District 65 spokesman, had no comment yesterday on the effect the challenged ballots might have on the outcome if counted.

Ineligible

Brigazliano said that the union questioned six ballots of people allegedly ineligible to vote.

Sytek declined to comment on the six union ballot challenges.

Brian D. Knox, spokesman for a group of Gnomon workers opposing unionization, said yesterday the union may attempt to invalidate the election by charging Gnomon management with unfair labor practices during the election.