Employees Have Rights To Work Together To Improve Their Working Conditions, Pay And Benefits

March 1, 2023

The National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) is a federal law enacted in 1935 that protects the rights of employees to engage in collective bargaining and other union-related activities. Many employees are surprised that the NLRA covers them even if they are not part of a union.

Some of the key rights that employees have under the NLRA include:

1. The right to form, join, or assist a union: Employees have the right to form, join, or assist labor organizations, including unions, for the purpose of collective bargaining or other mutual aid or protection.
2. The right to bargain collectively: Employees have the right to bargain collectively with their employers through representatives of their own choosing.
3. The right to engage in protected concerted activity: Employees have the right to engage in protected concerted activity, which includes joining with other employees to address work-related issues, such as wages, benefits, and working conditions.
4. The right to strike: Employees have the right to strike, which is a work stoppage intended to put pressure on the employer to address employee grievances.
5. The right to refrain from engaging in union activity: Employees have the right to refrain from engaging in union activity, including joining a union or participating in union-sponsored activities.
6. The right to engage in unfair labor practice strikes: Employees have the right to engage in an unfair labor practice strike, which is a work stoppage intended to protest an employer’s unfair labor practices.
7. The right to file unfair labor practice charges: Employees have the right to file unfair labor practice charges against their employer or union if they believe that their rights under the NLRA have been violated.

It is important to note that the NLRA applies to most private sector employees, but not to government employees, agricultural workers, or independent contractors. Additionally, some states have their own labor relations laws that provide additional protections for employees.

The deadline for filing a charge with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) is generally six months from the date of the alleged unfair labor practice.

It’s important to note that the deadline for filing a charge is strict, and missing the deadline can result in the loss of legal remedies. Therefore, it is important to consult with an attorney or the NLRB as soon as possible if you believe your rights under the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) have been violated.

Pietrucha Law Firm represents employees with NLRA Charges against their employers. For more information, contact our office 630-344-6370.