Employers across the United States and in every industry should be alert to conversations among their employees about union representation, collective bargaining agreements, demands for higher wages, or improvements in working conditions. The national bureau of labor statistics notes that the number of union workers in the US has been steadily declining since the 1950s, with only around 6% of the labor market counted as union workers or union organizers. However, many prominent companies including Starbucks, Amazon, and Apple have all recently had employees filing paperwork and holding meetings to discuss unionization. Even if their employees aren’t currently discussing collective action, it’s critical to be aware that all workers are covered and protected by the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) and the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). When it comes to employers and unions, it’s vital not to discriminate, retaliate against, or infringe upon employee rights to unionize. This article covers crucial considerations for employers and unions. Read the article to:
– Learn about protected employee rights to form or join a union
– Find out what employers can do to help them avoid unionization
– Understand employer requirements under the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA)
– Get tips on building NLRA compliance into company culture, onboarding, and the employee handbook