National Labor Relations Board Powers

The NLRB gets its authority from the power of Congress to regulate interstate commerce under the Commerce Clause of the United States Constitution.

  • National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) Powers Overview

    National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) Powers OverviewThe National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) can direct elections and conduct investigations of unfair labor practices only in cases involving labor disputes that affect, or would affect, commerce.   More »

  • NLRB Posting Requirement Delayed

    NLRB Posting Requirement DelayedThe NLRB issued a final rule that will require all employers, union and non-union, to notify employees of their rights under the National Labor Relations Act, effective April 30, 2012.  More »

  • Power to Investigate, Issue Subpoenas and Obtain Court Orders

    Power to Investigate, Issue Subpoenas and Obtain Court OrdersTo pursue an unfair labor practice complaint, the charging party must file and serve its charge within six months after the unfair labor practice occurs.   More »

  • NLRA Power: Remedies, Not Penalties

    NLRA Power: Remedies, Not PenaltiesThe National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) is not a criminal statute. It is intended to prevent and remedy unfair labor practices, not to punish the person responsible for them.   More »

  • Special Proceedings

    Special ProceedingsCertain types of cases require special proceedings, which include the determination of jurisdictional disputes and injunction proceedings.   More »

  • Injunction Proceedings

    Injunction ProceedingsIf the preliminary investigation of any of the priority cases shows reasonable cause to believe that the charge is true and that a complaint should issue, Section 10(l) requires the board to petition for an injunction.   More »

  • Court Review of Board Orders

    Court Review of Board OrdersIf an employer or a union fails to comply with a board order, Section 10(e) empowers the board to petition the Court of Appeals for a court decree enforcing the order and enjoining conduct that the board finds to be unlawful.   More »