New election rules a victory for labor unions

NLRB Chairman Mark Pearce The National Labor Relations Board on Dec. 21 approved sweeping new rules that would speed the pace of union elections, making it easier for private-sector unions to gain members at companies that have long rebuffed them.

Business groups quickly denounced the move, saying it limits the time that employers have to talk to workers about the cost and impact of joining a union. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has already filed a federal lawsuit challenging the rules. But union officials claim the lag time is often used to pressure or intimidate workers against forming a union.

The rules, which take effect on April 30, simplify procedures and reduce legal delays that can hold up union elections after employees at a work site gather enough signatures to form a union.

“This rule is about giving all employees who have petitioned for an election the right to vote in a timely manner and without the impediment of needless litigation,” said board Chairman Mark Pearce.

“It’s good news that the NLRB has taken this modest but important step to help ensure that workers who want to vote to form a union at their workplace get a fair opportunity to do so,” said AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka.

Associated Press, Dec. 21