Labor Relations / Unions

Beware NLRB lawsuits that allege worker retaliation

12/17/2020

The EEOC isn’t the only enforcement agency that can file a retaliation lawsuit. The National Labor Relations Board can, too. Even employers with nonunion workforces may find themselves in the NLRB’s crosshairs if they bar discussing working conditions.

It’s up to HR to foster workplace civility

12/03/2020

American society is as polarized as it has been in decades. We have just completed a bitterly divisive election. Public discourse and even private conversations are angry. That same coarseness can permeate the workplace unless employers intervene. But employers must be careful not to chill protected speech when they try to enforce civility.

Biden’s DOL pick to bring pro-employee tilt

11/16/2020

The next Secretary of Labor will bring a pro-employee perspective to the U.S. Department of Labor. Almost all the contenders President-Elect Joe Biden is said to be considering for the job have close ties to labor unions.

Unions seek binding OSHA coronavirus rules

11/05/2020

Unions have filed two lawsuits seeking to compel the Occupational Safety and Health Administration to develop mandatory pandemic-related workplace safety standards. OSHA is pushing back, maintaining that current safety standards and practices do enough to protect frontline workers.

NLRB clarifies obligations during pandemic

10/29/2020

Several recent cases before the National Labor Relations Board show that the National Labor Relations Act most definitely affects employer obligations during the coronavirus pandemic. Remember, the NLRA covers all employers, not just those that employ union members.

Snapshot: Union approval hits 10-year high

09/15/2020

Americans’ approval of organized labor has increased steadily in the last decade.

OK to ban employee blog linking to your websites

08/20/2020

The National Labor Relations Board has ruled that employers can’t forbid employees from posting negative information or opinions about the company on social media. But, the NLRB just decided employers can make workers refrain from linking to official company websites.

NLRB OKs limited bans on cell phones at work

06/04/2020

The National Labor Relations Board has upheld an employer policy requiring employees to stow personal cell phones in lockers because safety concerns on the factory floor outweigh the “relatively slight risk” that the policy would interfere with employees’ right to engage in activity protected by the National Labor Relations Act.

Job losses, safety concerns spark union interest

05/21/2020

The spike in activism is being fueled by social media and features walkouts and sick-outs at several companies.

NLRB: Union elections resume

04/21/2020

National Labor Relations Board regional offices have begun processing and conducting union representation elections following a brief hiatus in late March and early April.