The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) ruled that employers are prohibited from requiring employees to attend any meetings that involve the express views of the employer on unionization. This rule will apply to future cases only.

According to the ruling, this type of meeting:

• Provides a mechanism for observance and surveillance of employees exercising their Section 7 rights
• Interferes with the rights under Section 7 that allow them to decide freely whether to participate, as well as when and how to do so
• Creates a coercive character that an employee is forced to receive a message about unionization

Employers are allowed to hold meetings to express unionization views as long as workers receive advance notice and attendance is voluntary. Records of attendances cannot be kept.

This article is informational and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Consult with an employment lawyer or accountant for additional clarification on how these changes impact your company.