We've all seen how unions are under attack lately.
The National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) gives most employees the right to join a union and to bargain collectively to improve their working conditions. (There are some exceptions: for example, employees of state and local governments are not covered by the NLRA).
The National Labor Relations Board, which enforces the NLRA, is proposing that all employers be required to display a poster that informs employees of their rights under the NLRA.
Employers are already required to post notices about employee rights under various civil rights and non-discrimination laws. This proposed rule would merely inform workers of some of their other rights, namely, their right to join a union (or not, as they see fit) and to work together to improve their working conditions.
The NLRB is now taking public comments on this regulation. Please comment here, before the period for public comments closes on February 22.
This should be a no-brainer! However, the right-wingers and corporate lapdogs are opposed. Not only that, but their comments opposing this regulation outnumber the ones in favor.
Here are my reasons for supporting this regulation:
1. All this proposed rule does is to inform workers of legal rights they already have. What's wrong with that?
2. Rights under the NLRA are just as important as rights under minimum wage and civil rights laws, so NLRA rights should be posted alongside notices of these other rights.
3. The proposed rule is neutral regarding unions. It even notifies employees of their right not to join a union.
4. Most employees and many supervisors are, in fact, unaware of NLRA rights.
5. If employees and supervisors were more aware of NLRA rights, many needless conflicts in the workplace could be avoided.
6. It will cost employers almost nothing to post this notice.
You can read all the previous comments here:
link.
You can enter your own public comments here:
link.
This issue was originally called to my attention by
this diary last December. (Thanks, Lefty Coaster!) I thought it was time for a last minute reminder.
More details, if you want them, are
here.
Thank you for supporting America's workers!