Reynolds employees vote down unions in close vote

(Winston-Salem Journal) R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co.'s production and maintenance employees rejected union representation for the third time in 6½ years Friday.
However, getting 45 percent of the vote – according to preliminary results – could inspire union supporters to believe the fourth time could be the charm as early as fall 2012.
With 94 percent of 1,320 eligible employees participating, Reynolds reported 686 voted against and 556 voted for representation by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, and the Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers International Union. Continued