The National Labor Relations Act: What You Need to Know

With few exceptions, the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) provides rights and protections to all employees, whether the employer has a union or not.  Given the ever-changing landscape of the NLRA, understanding the basics of the law, how the National Labor Relations Board functions, and how unfair labor practice charges and union organizing petitions are processed is critical.  Staying on top of the changes is important. From prohibited language in settlement and severance agreements and handbook policies to the overhaul of the union election process, employers need to be more vigilant than ever.

In light of the National Labor Relations Board's moves to further enhance the mission of "encourage[ing] collective bargaining", Mr. Zwisler will discuss:

• Protected rights under the NLRA and to whom those rights do and do not apply
• The process and prosecution of unfair labor practice charges under the NLRA
• Petitions for representation by union representatives and the procedures that follow
• Recent developments in the law

Learning Objectives:

1. Recognize the rights provided to employees under the NLRA
2. Review the NLRB's processes as they relate to unfair labor practice charges and petitions for representation
3. Gain an understanding of recent changes in how the NLRA is interpreted and the impact on the employer/employee relationship