Consider taking these steps from the NFIB Legal Center
Recently, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) issued the
“ambush election” rules governing the procedures for union
elections. These rules are scheduled to go into
effect on April 14, 2015. The new rules will be to bring about “quickie” union
elections in as few as 10 to 14 days. This change in election rules will make it
much more difficult for employers to fight a union organizing campaign and far
easier for unions to win.
NFIB has sued to stop the ambush election rule and has also
asked Congress to intervene. But in the meantime, employers
should consider taking the following steps to prepare:
1. Train managers and
supervisors on labor management issues. Topics for such training should
include a discussion about your business’s position on unionization, early
warning signs of union activity, and what and when your business may communicate
lawfully with employees regarding union drives and signing union cards.
2. Assess the vulnerability
of your business. Conduct a review of your workplace to identify, address, and
eliminate workplace grievances.
3. Don’t be afraid to communicate
with employees. Address your business’s labor relations philosophy in
new hire orientation and in an employee handbook.
4. If a union is knocking
at your door, contact a labor attorney immediately.
NFIB has made this a top priority issue for small business. Beth Milito, Senior Executive Counsel of NFIB’s Small Business Legal Center, recently testified
on how the NLRB’s election rules will harm small
businesses.
Although the Senate and House both passed resolutions blocking the NLRB’s rule, those were unfortunately vetoed by President Obama.
The
NFIB Small Business Legal Center will continue to provide further information
on the NLRB rule and NFIB’s lawsuit. Keep up with this issue by visiting www.nfib.com/legal, where you can download a free
copy of NFIB’s Guide to Managing Unionization Efforts.
RELATED VIDEO >> Beth Milito of the NFIB Small Business Legal Center lays out what
business owners should do now to prepare for the change.
Watch more
Legal Ease videos: https://www.nfib.com/LegalEase
