The NLRB’s pro-union rulings are set to change labor organizing efforts this year

The National Labor Relations Board’s (NLRB) recent pro-union rulings are set to reshape labor organizing efforts in 2024.

The NLRB’s moves include allowing workplaces to unionize outside the traditional secret ballot election process and facilitating easy organization of franchise and contract workers.

Its pivotal ruling in August allowed Cemex Construction Materials Pacific LLC unions to gain recognition without elections when backed by majority support. The contested decision is a response to rising trends in union organizing.

What to expect?
Ever since the COVID-19 pandemic, unionization has picked up, fueled by job insecurities, worker safety concerns and economic uncertainties. Last year, union petitions for elections rose by 3% in the fiscal year ending September 30. Unions won 76% of elections held.

At the same time, the number of new union members remained modest, representing approximately 6% of private-sector workers.

But the year will also prove to be a test to see if these changes can hold out against legal challenges from business groups and employers. Major corporations such as Starbucks, Amazon, Wells Fargo and Apple face unprecedented unionizing efforts.

With the NLRB rules expediting the unionization process, 2024 is poised to witness a surge in election petitions and unfair labor practice complaints, requiring companies to be prepared for potential unionization at any moment.