Category: Labor Law

On August 14th, the National Labor Relations Board reversed an Administrative Law Judge’s decision dismissing an unfair labor practice against Philips Electronics. The NLRB’s three member panel ruled that Philips’ unwritten rule prohibiting employees from discussing discipline was an impermissible restraint on employee speech. Philips Electronics North America Corporation and Lee Craft, Case 26-CA-085613 (August 14, 2014). The Philips matter...

One would think that cursing in front of customers would be sufficient grounds for termination - even at a progressive enterprise like Starbucks. However, if those outbursts come from a union supporter while performing union activity, you should think again. The National Labor Relations Board recently issued its decision in Starbucks Corporation d/b/a Starbucks Coffee Company and Local 660, Industrial Workers of the World, case number 02-CA-037548....

On May 28, 2014, the National Labor Relations Board  ("NLRB") ruled that an Arizona car dealership violated the National Labor Relations Act  ("NLRA")  by firing a salesman who complained about the dealership's compensation plan.  Plaza Auto Ctr. Inc.., 360 NLRB No. 117 (2014).  The dealership argued that the salesman lost the protection of the law when he launched into a profanity-laced tirade against the owner. In this case, salesman Nick...

Yes, we posted on this yesterday, but this video spoof of an interview with the Northwestern coach is priceless.  My favorite line: Q. Coach, do you think your players will cross a picket line? A. I'll tell you what - put a goal line out there and not a one of them will cross...

On March 26, 2014, the NLRB's Chicago Regional Director issued a decision finding that approximately eighty-five (85) scholarship football players at Northwestern University are "employees" under the National Labor Relations Act (the “Act”).   The Board conducted a secret-ballot election to determine whether the College Athletes Players’ Association would become the bargaining agent for these student-athletes, but the ballots were impounded...