NLRB Targets Non-Union Workers With Educational Campaign

The National Labor Relations Board (Board) has received a great deal of attention in the press lately—thanks to several high-profile social media cases, prosecution of Boeing on its opening of a production facility in South Carolina (allegedly in response to prior strikes at its Puget Sound facility), and the requirement that employers post a notice of employee rights under the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA).

Last week, the Board confirmed its plans to capitalize on this increased publicity by creating a new website that targets non-union employees in an effort to inform them about their unionization-related rights. For example, the website will advise employees on their right to engage in protected concerted activity and will provide examples of actual cases involving such activity. Also, to drive traffic to its new website, the Board is developing brochures written in both English and Spanish that will provide examples of cases and inform nonunion workers about their rights. The site is scheduled to go live in approximately two weeks.

Unions will most likely be emboldened by the Board's action, and it may spark an increase in union organizing. To remain union free, it is increasingly important for employers to focus on positive employee relations and supervisory training. If you have questions about this decision's impact on your business, or strategies to remain union free, contact any of the Faegre Baker Daniels labor lawyers.