This is the fourth of our 12 Days of Handbook Updates that take you through 12 important topics for employers as we round out the year.
Do your handbook policies chill your employees' exercise of their rights under the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA)? In August, the
Section 7 of the NLRA guarantees employees the right to self-organize and engage in concerted activities for the purpose of collective bargaining or other mutual aid or protection. Section 8(a)(1) makes it clear that it is an unfair labor practice for an employer to "interfere with, restrain, or coerce employees" in employee's exercise of their Section 7 rights.
Before
In
So what does this mean for employers? It means that they should read through their handbook, and ask if an employee could reasonably interpret a policy as having a chilling effect on the employee's right to engage in concerted activities. Handbook policies to pay special attention to include rules that:
- Prohibit disparaging the company
- Require civility of the workplace
- Prohibit the use of profanity
- Prohibit the use of cameras in the workplace
- Require confidentiality
Stay warm, everyone.
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.
IN 46204-3535
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