Secret Ballot Under Attack

The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) has threatened to sue Arizona, South Carolina, South Dakota and Utah over constitutional amendments guaranteeing workers the right to a secret ballot in union elections. The federal agency claims the amendments are in conflict with employee rights laid out in the National Labor Relations Act.

Utah Attorney General Mark Shurtleff said he believes the state is on solid ground. He plans to coordinate a response with the other three states.

“If they want to bring a lawsuit, then bring it,” Shurtleff said. “We believe that a secret ballot is as fundamental a right as any American has had since the beginning of this country. We want to protect the constitutional rights of our citizens.”

Our Spring Management Clinic in Tampa will feature our HR attorney Joe Schmitt, who will address recent NLRB decisions and the effects those decisions will have in the workplace. Schmitt is with the law firm of Nilan Johnson Lewis and has for years been where our members turn for free advice on HR matters. (Members are entitled to 30 minutes free per issue with Schmitt.)

In addition to his general session, Schmitt will follow up with a breakout session on Protecting Your Workplace, where step-by-step advice will be shared regarding specific dangers, and their warning signs, facing manufacturers today. ◆