Update on Recent NLRB Developments for Employers – May 18, 2026
Dear Employers,
I wanted to provide a timely summary of key National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) updates as of mid-May 2026
1. GE Appliances, A Haier Company (374 NLRB No. 110, Case 09-CA-332521) – Issued May 14, 2026
- Parties: GE Appliances (a Haier Company) in Louisville, Kentucky (Respondent/Employer) vs. LaDonna S. Dawson (Charging Party, a probationary assembly-line worker).
- Core Allegations: The employer unlawfully issued a written warning and terminated Dawson in retaliation for her protected concerted activity. Dawson had complained about and resisted mandatory overtime policies, which she viewed as unfair or disruptive.
- Key Facts:
- Dawson was a relatively new/probationary employee.
- She engaged in conduct the ALJ described as disruptive during an overtime-related dispute (e.g., behavior that went beyond protected protest into insubordination or interference with operations).
- The employer maintained it disciplined and fired her for legitimate performance and conduct reasons, not for engaging in protected activity under Section 7 of the NLRA.
- Outcome: The Board (Chairman Murphy, Members Prouty and Mayer) fully affirmed the Administrative Law Judge’s (ALJ Kimberly R. Sorg-Graves) decision. It dismissed the complaint in its entirety, finding no violation of Sections 8(a)(1) or 8(a)(3). The employee’s actions were not sufficiently protected, and the employer had valid, non-retaliatory reasons for termination.
Employer Takeaway: This reinforces that not all complaints about working conditions (like overtime) qualify as protected concerted activity, especially when coupled with disruptive behavior. Employers can still enforce conduct rules during such disputes.
2. Laborers International Union of North America, Local 872, AFL-CIO (374 NLRB No. 108, Case 28-CB-239339 and related) – Issued May 13, 2026
- Parties: Laborers Local 872 (Las Vegas) vs. two dissident construction workers/charging parties (and various employers, including members of the Nevada Contractors Association).
- Core Allegations: The union violated the NLRA through unfair hiring hall practices, discrimination against non-favoring members or dissidents, and related retaliatory conduct. One specific incident involved the union attorney’s response (“Another loss”) to the charging parties.
- Key Facts:
- The case involved a lengthy dispute (spanning multiple hearing days) over how the union operated its hiring hall for construction jobs.
- Charging parties claimed preferential treatment for union insiders and retaliation against them as critics.
- The union defended its practices as neutral, non-discriminatory, and consistent with lawful referral procedures.
- The “Another loss” comment by union counsel was treated as protected expression rather than unlawful threat or coercion.
- Outcome: The Board (two-member panel: Chairman James R. Murphy and Member Scott A. Mayer; Member Prouty recused) affirmed the ALJ’s ruling in full. All unfair labor practice charges against the union were dismissed. The hiring hall operations were found lawful, and no violations occurred.
Employer/Union Takeaway: Lawful hiring hall practices receive deference when applied neutrally. Isolated attorney statements in litigation are generally protected.
3. If you need any assistance concerning NLRB litigation, negotiations with your union or any other labor relations issue, please contact Sanford Rudnick JD to respond to the NLRB or union call 800-326-3046 or sandy@rudnickpro.com
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