Unfair Labor Practices

The NLRA prohibits certain acts, called “unfair labor practices,” by employers and by labor organizations. The NLRA requires that the board investigate charges and, where it finds a violation of the law, devise a remedy to redress the effects of the unlawful act. The NLRA is not a punitive statute, and does not provide for punishment of wrongdoers. However, the board’s r​emedial orders are enforceable in federal courts of appeals, and a violation of a court decree enforcing a board order may be punished by the court through a civil contempt proceeding.​

  • Unfair Labor Practices Overview

    Unfair Labor Practices OverviewAn employer, union or individual can file unfair labor practice charges with the board's regional office for the region in which the unfair labor practice has occurred  More »

  • Unfair Labor Practices of Employers

    Unfair Labor Practices of EmployersUnfair labor practices prohibit conduct that discriminates/retaliates against employees who engage or refuse to engage in union activity, interferes with free selection of a union, or inhibits the collective bargaining process  More »

  • Protected Concerted Activity Defined

    Protected Concerted Activity DefinedNLRB protects the rights of employees to engage in "protected concerted activity," which it defines as two or more employees taking action relating to terms and conditions of employment for their mutual aid or protection.   More »

  • Employees Discussing Conditions of Employment

    Employees Discussing Conditions of EmploymentEmployers should be aware that the concept of "concerted activity" is broadly applied to employee actions.   More »

  • Social Media Use and Unfair Labor Practice Charges

    Social Media Use and Unfair Labor Practice ChargesA multitude of cases are currently pending before the NLRB regarding the termination of employees for the use of Facebook and other social media and employer policies regarding the use of the social media.   More »

  • Union Unfair Labor Practices

    Union Unfair Labor PracticesUnion unfair labor practices largely parallel those of employers, with some exceptions that relate to the power   More »

  • Other Unfair Labor Practices

    Other Unfair Labor PracticesBefore 1959 the typical hot cargo or hot goods clause provided that employees would not be required by their employer to handle or work on goods or materials going to/coming from an employer designated by the union as unfair.  More »