Union to discuss fate of embattled leader

Knoxville News Sentinel ^ | 6/16/5 | FRANK MUNGER

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OAK RIDGE - A special meeting of union delegates will be held today to discuss leadership of the Atomic Trades and Labor Council in the wake of Carl "Bubba" Scarbrough's arrest last week on a rape charge.

The ATLC, an umbrella organization for 16 different unions, represents about 2,500 hourly workers at the Y-12 nuclear weapons plant and Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

Carl Wright, the ATLC's acting president in Scarbrough's absence, said Wednesday that a vote would be taken on whether to place Scarbrough on administrative leave until his case is resolved.

Another report was being circulated among union members that the Metal Trades Department of the AFL-CIO already had suspended Scarbrough from his duties as ATLC president.

The ATLC is a part of the much larger Metal Trades Department, which is based in Washington, D.C.

Wright confirmed that the labor organization is sending a representative, Tom Shaffer, to Oak Ridge to investigate the situation.

Asked who would actually make the decision on Oak Ridge leadership issues, the ATLC or the Metal Trades Department, Wright said, "It'll actually be a little of both. They could overrule us."

Scarbrough was arrested last week and charged with statutory rape. He is accused of performing a sex act on a 13-year-old boy in the steam room at the Fort Sanders Health and Fitness Center in West Knoxville.

A preliminary hearing is scheduled for July 27 in Knox County General Sessions Court. The union leader and former Anderson County commissioner has been unavailable for comment since the charge was filed.

At today's meeting, each of the 16 unions in the ATLC will send a delegate, comprising the council's executive board.

A woman who answered the phone at the Metal Trades Department in Washington said Ron Ault, president of the labor group, was not available and would not be responsive to questions.

Some union members reportedly have been pressuring their local leadership to oust Scarbrough or distance the ATLC from him because of the rape charge.

Earl Johnson, the ATLC's second vice president, who handles the day-to-day activities at Y-12, said, "Bubba has rights, regardless of what the allegations are. We're going to do right by him. I believe he will be exonerated."

While proclaiming the ATLC is conducting business as usual, Johnson said, "We're kind of in a crisis mode. We're just trying to get through this one day at a time."

Wright said he had hoped to remain quiet on the topic until the union delegates in Oak Ridge could get together and discuss the necessary business. But he said reports being circulated by other members forced him to make a statement.

"I would like to say on behalf of the Atomic Trades and Labor Council that we're deeply saddened by these allegations, and our heartfelt sympathy goes out to all of the families affected by this situation," he said.

Senior writer Frank Munger may be reached at 865-342-6329.

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