![]() |
|
![]() |
|
New NLRB Guidance on Workplace Rules Provides Greater Clarity for Employers In June, the National Labor Relations Board ("NLRB") General Counsel, Peter B. Robb, issued a Guidance Memorandum on "Handbook Rules Post-Boeing" ("GC Memo 18-04"). GC Memo 18-04 summarizes the Board's late-2017 decision in The Boeing Company, 365 NLRB No. 154 (Dec. 14, 2017), outlining three categories of handbook rules: (1) those that are decidedly permissible under the National Labor Relations Act ("NLRA"), (2) those that warrant Board scrutiny on a case-by-case basis, and (3) those that are decidedly impermissible under the NLRA. GC Memo 18-04, and the Board's decision in Boeing, reflect a much-anticipated shift away from the Obama Board's handbook decisions. The Board's guidance is summarized below and provides keen insight for Employers looking to implement new work rules governing employee conduct. The Guidance Following Boeing and GC Memo 18-04, employers have greater clarity and predictability around whether or not many policies and rules will be upheld under the NLRA. GC Memo 18-04 provides specific guidance on the rules outlined below. Category 1: Lawful Rules Pursuant to GC Memo 18-04, the following rules are generally lawful and charges filed relating to such rules will be dismissed:
Category 2: Rules Warranting Individualized Scrutiny Category 2 rules are "not obviously lawful or unlawful, and must be evaluated on a case-by-case basis to determine whether the rules would interfere with rights guaranteed by the NLRA, and if so, whether any adverse impact on those rights is outweighed by legitimate justifications." GC Memo 18-04. Under Boeing, the Board no longer considers whether a rule could be interpreted as covering protected and concerted activity, but rather if it would be so interpreted. Pursuant to GC Memo 18-04, the following rules are not obviously lawful or unlawful and should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis:
Category 3: Unlawful Rules Pursuant to GC Memo 18-04, the following rules are generally unlawful and the regional director should issue complaints for the maintenance of such rules:
Impact on Employers GC Memo 18-04 clearly outlines examples of workplace rules that are now permissible under Boeing. Obama-era handbook decisions left many employers questioning the permissibility of rules that governed appropriate workplace conduct, often-times causing employers to remove such policies from their handbooks altogether. GC Memo 18-04, however, paves the way for employers to again implement workplace rules that govern civility, insubordination and disruptive behavior. Employers must be aware, however, that while GC Memo 18-04 provides clarity on the specific examples it discusses, it is not a comprehensive review of all workplace rules. While the guidance thus far, and the significantly more employer-friendly standard articulated in Boeing, suggest positive changes for employers, it is uncertain how other workplace rules will be categorized. Employers drafting workplace rules not specifically identified as "Category 1" rules should always consider the business justifications for such rules, and tailor them appropriately. Employers should additionally be cognizant that Boeing and GC Memo 18-04 only address the maintenance of facially-neutral workplace rules. They do not permit employers to apply such rules in a way that interferes with employees' Section 7 rights. Accordingly, employers may not rely on valid workplace rules to prevent, stop, or issue discipline for, employees' protected activity. If you would like assistance with drafting a handbook or ensuring that your company's existing workplace rules are consistent with the law, please contact Jon Klinghoffer, Michael Sullivan or Meredith Kirshenbaum. |
|
55 East Monroe Street, Suite 3300, Chicago, Illinois 60603-5792 |
|
The material in this client alert is based on information existing at that time. It should not be construed as legal advice or legal opinions based on any specific set of facts. The information in this publication is not intended to create, and the transmission and receipt of it does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship. If you do not wish to receive information from Goldberg Kohn, please reply to this email with "REMOVE" in the subject line. |