NLRB vs. House of Reps. Over Expedited Union Elections

According to the New York Times, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) recently approved new rules aimed at simplifying election procedures and shortening deadlines in unionization elections. At the same time, the House of Representatives passed a bill that would delay the same elections for at least 35 days. The bill is unlikely to pass the Senate. Proponents of the new rules maintain that they limit unnecessary delays and help union organizing efforts fight employer stalling tactics. Opponents argue that the rules limit employers’ free speech and make it more difficult for them to oppose union organization. The board hopes to issue its final approval by the end of the year, before it might lose its three-member quorum (the five-member board currently has two open seats and another member’s term expires at the end of the year).