A National Labor Relations Board administrative law judge has overturned the results of last summer's union representation election at a New York Target store, and has ordered a new election. Last summer's election went against unionizing by a 137 to 85 vote, but the United Food and Commercial Workers alleged illegal intimidation, and now, a judge has agreed that Target engaged in unfair labor practices.

Store management prevented workers from wearing pro-union buttons, threatened union supporters with firing, and said the store would close if workers voted for a union. In fact, the Long Island store in question is currently closed for renovation, a closure that Target claims had been long-planned and isn't related to the union effort, but which is the first time a Target has closed for renovation in several years.

Target, like many big box chains, has a sophisticated system of opposing union organizing efforts, beginning from the moment a worker is hired.