Labor Relations / Unions

The NLRB ‘joint employer’ decision: New risks, new liability

11/09/2015

Under a new standard, many contingent employment arrangements may open the door to union organizing activities.

Key Supreme Court case could affect controversial union shop fees

11/09/2015

Among the cases that the U.S. Supreme Court has agreed to hear during its 2015-2016 term is one of particular significance to those in the public sector—Friedrichs v. California Teachers Association. A decision in favor of the plaintiffs has the potential to affect the implementation and regulation of union agency shop fees nationwide.

The big UAW/automaker contract: What it means for the rest of us

11/03/2015

Pay attention to the deal struck recently between the top automakers, GM and Chrysler, and the United Auto Workers, the largest union representing autoworkers.

‘Evergreen clause’ may mean contract didn’t expire

10/21/2015

Here’s something to consider when contracting with a union. If the contract contains a so-called “evergreen clause,” be sure to follow the directions if you want to cancel the agreement after a term.

NLRB rejects employer contention of no union support

10/16/2015

Anderson Lumber Co. in Sacramento has lost its bid to decertify Local 150 of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters as its employees’ bargaining unit. The controversy arose in 2012 when the two sides were negotiating a successor agreement. The Teamsters have represented Anderson Lumber employees for 50 years.

Quickie union elections get quicker with e-signature OK

09/22/2015

Unions no longer need to collect employees’ handwritten signatures on authorization cards before they file an election petition.

NLRB supports free expression, condemns lying about it

09/10/2015

An employee at Fresenius Manu-facturing in Chester, N.Y., was fired for writing comments on union newsletters and then lying about doing so during a company investigation.

NLRB: No hiring preference for crossing picket line

09/10/2015

The National Labor Relations Board has ruled that Dresser-Rand Co., located near Corning, N.Y., violated the National Labor Relations Act when it reinstated workers who crossed the picket line before it hired back those who stayed on strike during labor unrest at the plant.

Business, employment lawyers react to Browning-Ferris decision

09/02/2015

The National Labor Relations Board’s Aug. 27 decision in Browning-Ferris, which redefined the concept of “joint employer,” sparked lots of buzz in the legal and business worlds. Here’s a sampling.

Who’s the boss? NLRB rules on joint employers

09/01/2015

The National Labor Relations Board on Aug. 27 scrapped decades of precedent with a decision that greatly expanded the definition of a “joint employer” to include entities that exert even indirect control over another organization’s employees.