With little fanfare, the extremely significant NLRB rule establishing “quickie elections” became effective Tuesday, April 14. This rule will dramatically shorten the periods of time between the filing of union election petitions with the NLRB and the holding of union elections. Among other things, this rule means that:
- The NLRB may hold elections as soon as 13 days after the filing of a union election petition. In most cases, elections apparently will be held approximately 22-25 days after the filing of petitions. Previously, elections were conducted approximately 42 days after petition filings.
- The issues that can be litigated prior to the holding of an election will likely be very limited.
- An employer will have very little time after a petition has been filed within which to educate its workforce as to the employer’s views on the effects of voting in a union.
- Employers should take steps now to guard against unionization, including training their managers and supervisors and educating their employees.
If you have any questions about the new rule and its impact, please contact Merritt Bumpass at Frantz Ward LLP, 200 Public Square, Suite 3000, Cleveland, Ohio 44114, (216) 515-1615, [email protected].
