We reported earlier about the NLRB notice-posting rule, which was to take effect on November 14, 2011. The rule applies to all companies subject to NLRB jurisdiction. (See discussion below of NLRB jurisdiction.) The rule requires companies to post in the workplace notices to employees about their rights to join a union. Not surprisingly, the proposed rule has generated a great deal of attention and some controversy. Recently, we reported on the first lawsuit, filed by the National Association of Manufacturers, to challenge the NLRB’s right to impose this rule. Since then, a number of other lawsuits have been filed, including lawsuits filed by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the National Right to Work Foundation and the National Federation of Independent Business.

Possibly in response to those lawsuits, the NLRB earlier today issued a notice on its web site saying that the posting requirement is now postponed to January 31, 2012. The Board’s stated reason is to allow time for "enhanced education and outreach to employers, particularly those who operate small and medium-sized businesses." Indeed, we have received a number of questions regarding the scope of the posting requirement. For instance, many are asking whether the Board’s posting requirement will apply to a particular company or industry. To put it briefly, just about every company in the private sector outside of a few very specific industries is covered by NLRB jurisdiction. For example, certain employers in the railroad, airline, and agricultural industries and federal, state, and local municipal government entities are not covered by the NLRA. Some religious institutions are not covered. But most employers in all other industries are covered.Continue Reading NLRB Posting Requirement Delay – New Date – January 31, 2012