Fast Bikes Is a Bicycle Manufacturer,employing About One Hundred Workers

Fast Bikes is a bicycle manufacturer,employing about one hundred workers.Competition has been fierce,so sales have remained relatively level for several years.Management decides that they need to retool the manufacturing process and move from aluminum and steel frames to carbon and titanium frames.They announce their plans to the workforce,and further announce that due to the costs of the changeover,raises in the coming year will be suspended,although there will be no layoffs.Naturally,the workers are upset,and they start to discuss unionization.When management hears about the proposed union plans,they announce that they will "close the plant before they let a union tell them what to do." They also meet with employee organizers and tell them that the next time they hear the word "union" spoken on the premises,they will fire all employees participating in unionization efforts.Scared and confused,the employees seek assistance from the National Labor Relations Board.Can the employer make and carry through on its threats?