The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) proposed new rules this week to shorten the period workers have to consider a vote to join a union.  The new proposed rule – issued on June 22nd in the Federal Register represents a significant effort to undermine both employees and employers while strengthening the hands of the unions.  Under current rules, most union elections are conducted within a month or six weeks after union organizers file their petition for a vote.  This current system gives employers an opportunity to make their case against unionization if they choose to do so.  However, under the new proposed NLRB rules, this time frame would be severely curtailed – reduced to less than three weeks – possibly even as little as ten days.

This proposed rule not only places employers at a tremendous unfair disadvantage, but it also impinges upon the rights of employees to have sufficient time to exercise their fundamental right to choose whether or not to form a union.  The proposed rule does not give workers the time or ability to make an informed decision with respect to unionization efforts.

AWMA is deeply concerned over this new proposed rule which would adversely impact many in our industry and AWMA will be submitting comments within the 60-day open comment period outlining our opposition to this initiative.  For more information regarding this new NLRB proposed rule you may visit this Web site below:

http://www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;dct=FR+PR+N+O+SR;rpp=10;po=0;D=NLRB-2011-0002