Labor Relations / Unions

Unions try to revive NLRB poster requirement

09/05/2012

The National Labor Relations Board hasn’t given up on its bid to require U.S. employers to display a workplace poster that notifies workers of their rights to form or join a union.

Tread carefully when unions settle wage claims

09/04/2012

The DOL generally takes a dim view of any attempt to negotiate away employees’ rights under the FLSA. For example, unions can’t say “no thanks” to the minimum wage or overtime pay during collective bargaining. However, there’s a difference between losing rights through the bargaining process and accepting a settlement that resolves conflicting wage claims.

NLRB takes aim at at-will clauses in employee handbooks

08/22/2012

In a continuation of its recent anti-employer rulings, the National Labor Relations Board is now focusing on a staple of employee handbooks—at-will employment clauses that notify employees they can be terminated at any time for any lawful reason.

What is the NLRB doing with at-will status?

08/21/2012

Q. Could you explain the National Labor Relations Board’s recent challenges to at-will employment policies?

Northbrook union trustees to fix bad loans worth $1.7 million

08/21/2012

Following an investigation by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA), trustees for the United Employee Benefit Fund in Northbrook have agreed to correct $1.7 million in improper loans made from the union retirement fund.

Albany Times Union settles with Newspaper Guild

08/03/2012

The Albany Times Union and the union representing its employees have reached a settlement following a National Labor Relations Board ruling that the newspaper violated federal labor law when it laid off three employees in the fall of 2009.

Court strikes down embattled NLRB’s ‘ambush election’ rule

06/20/2012

In recent months, the National Labor Relations Board has been busy. So have courts that oversee its activities. Two courts handed down employer-friendly decisions invalidating or at least delaying the implementation of new rules instituted by the NLRB.

Shuttering related business won’t stop union organizing

06/20/2012

Think twice before shutting down one of several related businesses just to stop the spread of pro-union sentiment. It’s likely to prompt a lawsuit, and a court may well take organized labor’s side.

Court: Union contract limits arbitrator’s role

05/30/2012

In a union workplace, the collective bargaining agreement outlines rights for both employees and the employer. It also defines the powers an arbitrator may have if called on to interpret the contract. If the arbitrator goes too far, a court can reverse his or her decision.

NLRB union poster on hold: Can we still post it?

05/29/2012

Q. We had the NLRB union-rights notice laminated and it is ready to be posted in our break room. Now the deadline is off. Can we still display it?