THE 17 STEPS TO FOLLOW AT THE NLRB WHEN THERE IS AN UNFAIR LABOR PRACTICE IS FILED
1. An individual or labor organization may file an unfair labor practice charge with a regional office in the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) for discharges of employees for union and/ or protective concerted activities, collective bargaining and many other reasons.
2. The NLRB will investigate the charge unless there is no merit to the case and the NLRB will dismiss the charge;
3. At least FIFTY percent of all NLRB charges are for discharges of employees. This means an Employer cannot terminate an employee for their union and/ or their protected concerted activities.
4. The NLRB uses the Wright Line Standard to determine if the employee was discharge without violating the NLRB Act.
5. Under the Wright Line standard, an employee unfair labor practice charge based on discharge or discipline for engaging in protected conduct requires that the party discharged party or the general counsel must prove the adverse action establishes the following three elements:
1. The employee engaged in Section 7 activity.
2. The employer knew of that activity.
3. A causal connection exists between the Section 7 activity and the adverse action.
6. If all three elements are met, then the employer must prove it would have taken the same disciplinary action if the employee had not engaged in a protected activity.
7. Applying the Wright Line test, the NLRB will find an unfair labor practice if “the [employee] shows that the Section 7 activity was a Motivating factor in the discipline, and the employer fails to show that it would have issued the same discipline even in the absence of the related Section 7 activity.”
8. In short, engaging in Section 7 activity does not insulate employees from “nondiscriminatory discipline” under recent case law of General Motors standard, but “it is unlawful for employers to target employees who engage in Section 7 activity and subject them to discipline that would not have occurred but for that protected activity.”
9. The NLRB will ask for a response if there is sufficient evidence presented in case at the NLRB;
10.The NLRB will attempt to settle the underlying dispute:
11. If a settlement cannot be reached, the NLRB will generally issue a formal complaint against the employer;
12. If a complaint issues and the matter is not settled, an evidentiary hearing will be convened before an administrative law judge of the NLRB;
13. An administrative judge will rule on the hearing;
14. The judge’s opinion can be appealed to the NLRB in Washington, D.C.;
15. If the Judge rules in favor of the NLRB it can be appealed to the federal appellate courts;
16. An Employer found to have engaged in an unfair labor practice under the NLRA can be required to:
A. Cease and desist from any such further conduct;
B. Reinstate an employee who has been unlawfully discharged;
C. Pay back wages and restore benefits lost by an employee as a consequence of the employer’s unfair business practice;
D. Bargain in good faith and return to bargaining table for 60 days; and
E. Post a notice for violating the Act for 60 days at the Company with a non-admissions clause
17. My office will attempt to get the NLRB charge dismissed or resolved without litigation.
NEED ASSISTANCE IN CONDUCTING AN ELECTION MEETING?
Call H. Sanford Rudnick JD: 1 800-326-3046

Fundamentals of Labor Law Regarding Unions
Written by H. Sanford Rudnick,JD "Fundamentals of Labor Law Regarding Unions" is a practical guide to the principles of labor law, union relations, and proceedings before the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). Drawing on decades of experience representing employers, the book provides valuable insight into collective bargaining, union elections, labor disputes, and employer rights and responsibilities.
The book is included in the Harvard Law School Library collection and other law school libraries across the United States, reflecting its value as a respected educational resource for students, attorneys, and business professionals.
Whether you are an employer, executive, HR professional, or business owner seeking a better understanding of labor law, this book offers a practical foundation for navigating today's complex labor relations landscape.
To order your copy for $29.95, please call 1-800-326-3046.
We're Here to Help
Navigating labor and employment issues can be challenging, but you don't have to face them alone. Whether you're dealing with a union election, collective bargaining, an unfair labor practice, pension liability, or another labor or human resources matter, my team and I are here to provide practical guidance and experienced representation.
If you have questions or would like to discuss your situation, I invite you to contact me for a confidential consultation. We'll take the time to understand your concerns, explain your options, and help you determine the best path forward.
I look forward to speaking with you.
H. Sanford Rudnick, J.D.
Union & Labor Law Expert
1-800-326-3046
(925) 352-7900
sandy@rudnickpro.com

UNION & LABOR LAW ATTORNEY FOR EMPLOYERS
LAS VEGAS
H. Sanford Rudnick and Associates
300 South 4th Street, 6th Floor,
Las Vegas, NV 89101
NEW
YORK
1717 K St. NW S900J
Washington DC 20006
745 5th Ave. 8500
NY, NY 10151
CALIFORNIA
1990 N. California Blvd. S830,
Walnut Creek, Ca 94596
Direct Line - 925-256-0660
Cell Phone - 925-352-7900
H. Sandford (Sandy) Rudnick

