Union members in New York could be unaware of exactly what their rights are in relation to dealing with employers. Being unionized is beneficial to workers in many industries as it provides them with bargaining power and certain protections under the law. There are certain rights under the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) when dealing with employers and alternatives if these are violated. Knowing employee rights under the law is critical when seeking to maximize benefits and compensation.
Workers have the right to create a union when there is not one in place, to decertify the union if they no longer believe it is working in the employees’ best interests, and to exercise all their rights based on the law. For example, if employees want to form a union in the workplace or try to form a union in their workplace, they are legally allowed to do so. Even if the union has not been recognized by the employer, the employees have the right to join. When the union is being organized, employees have the right to help toward that end. Workers can refuse to take part in these union activities if they do not want to. And the employees are entitled to receive fair union representation.
When thinking about forming a union or taking part in union activities most employees are shielded by the NLRA. There are those who are excluded. They are: those who are employed by a government entity whether it is federal, state or local; people who are agricultural laborers; workers in the domestic service industry and employed in a person’s home or by a family; workers who are employed by a parent or spouse; an independent contractor; those who are working as supervisors except in cases where the supervisor faced discrimination for a refusal to violate the NLRA; those working for employers who are under to the Railway Labor Act; and anyone who is not an employer based on the NLRA.
Labor law can be complicated and with the political climate so difficult for the worker today, understanding legal rights under labor law has become more important. For people who are concerned about labor activities or are seeking ways to unionize and improve their situation, having legal help from a law firm that understands the work of the National Labor Relations Board and is experienced with the NLRA is crucial.