Last year, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) saw an overall increase in cases filed with their agency. In all, there were 26,585 cases filed. Of those, 23,381 were unfair labor practice charges, and 3,204 were representation cases (requests for elections). This is a 10% increase in representation cases. During the first half of the year, the unions won 69.2% of the private sector elections. In the latter half, their success rate increased to 72.8%. The NLRB recovered a total of $8.6 million in back pay and unpaid union dues, fees and fines.
Employers should continue to monitor their businesses for possible union activity. The unions are ramping up their organization efforts, as evidenced by the growing number of requests for union elections last year. If you believe there is union activity in your business, you should contact legal counsel immediately. Being proactive is the best way to avoid unionization in your business. Brody and Associates regularly advises its clients on union-related matters and provides union-free training. If we can be of assistance in this area, please contact us at info@brodyandassociates.com or 203.965.0560.
