In reversal, NLRB makes it easier for workers to join a union

In reversal, NLRB makes it easier for workers to join a union

The National Labor Relations Board has issued a decision that makes it easier for staffing agency employees to join with regular employees to organize collective bargaining units to form unions.

The decision in the case of Miller & Anderson, Inc (05-RC-079248) says that workers supplied by a staffing agency can be included in a single bargaining unit with regular employees and do not need the consent of both employers, as they did previously. NLRB said that the two types of employees must share a –community of interest,” meaning they share supervisors and conditions of employment, such as pay and benefits.

The decision reverses the ruling in a 2004 case, Oakwood Care Center (343 NLRB 659), which in turn reversed a 2000 decision, MB Sturgis, Inc. (331 NLRB 1298). NLRB decisions often reflect the views of the current administration which is clearly the case here. NLRB is currently inviting input from interested workplace groups on its new decision.