National Labor Relations Board

National Labor Relations Board - Manhattan Office

The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) is an independent federal agency tasked with enforcing the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA), the primary law governing relations between unions and employers in the private sector. Serving the vibrant business and employee community of Manhattan and the surrounding New York City area, the NLRB's mission is fundamentally about protecting the rights of employees to organize, bargain collectively, and engage in concerted activities for their mutual aid or protection, as well as protecting the rights of employers to operate their businesses within the bounds of the law.

This agency plays a crucial role in maintaining industrial peace and promoting economic stability by preventing and remedying unfair labor practices committed by either employers or labor organizations. For instance, the NLRB investigates charges alleging violations of the NLRA, such as an employer unlawfully interfering with employees' right to unionize or a union failing to represent employees fairly. When violations are found, the agency seeks remedies that can include reinstatement of unlawfully discharged employees with back pay, or orders requiring parties to bargain in good faith.

Beyond investigating unfair labor practice charges, the NLRB also oversees and conducts secret-ballot elections to determine whether employees in a workplace wish to be represented by a union for collective bargaining. This process ensures that employees have a free and fair opportunity to choose whether or not to unionize. The agency defines appropriate bargaining units, resolves disputes concerning election procedures, and certifies election results. Businesses and employees in Manhattan can turn to the local NLRB office for guidance on these processes and their rights and obligations under the NLRA.

The work of the NLRB is essential for upholding the principles of the NLRA, which recognizes that the inequality of bargaining power between employees who do not possess full freedom of association or actual liberty of contract, and employers who are organized in the corporate or other forms of ownership association, substantially burdens and affects the flow of commerce. By safeguarding the rights of employees and employers alike, the NLRB contributes to a more balanced and lawful labor relations environment in New York City's diverse economy. [1] Whether addressing issues related to union organizing campaigns, collective bargaining negotiations, or alleged unfair labor practices, the Manhattan NLRB office serves as a vital resource for ensuring compliance with federal labor law and protecting the rights of those it serves. [2]

AUTHORITATIVE SOURCES
About the NLRB. [National Labor Relations Board]↩
What We Do. [National Labor Relations Board]↩