Effective January 31, 2012, The National Labor Relations Board will require a new notice-posting rule for all small businesses, non-profits and some religious organizations. Applicable to all private employers, this 11-by-17 inch poster highlights the rights all employees have to organize a union, to negotiate wages, hours and other terms as well as conditions of employment. It also governs options to strike, take action to improve working conditions and abstain from participation in any and all union activities if desired.

The rules apply to all small businesses based on their gross volume of sales.  The National Labor Relations Board has issued a convenient chart by industry listing the applicable amounts. The notice should be posted in common areas such as break rooms next to other required workplace notices. In addition to the physical posting, the notice should be posted on any website or internal communications site where human resource policies are typically available to employees.

Although the NLRB does not have the authority to impose fines upon any employer who knowingly does not post the notification, failure to do so may be treated as an unfair labor practice under the National Labor Relations Act and may be subject to penalties and fees accordingly. Employers in the agricultural, railroad or airline industries are exempt from this rule. To read the entire posting, visit the Federal Register webpage here.  For further assistance in managing your human resources, contact StaffScapes at 303-466-7864 or info@StaffScapes.com and visit our website at www.StaffScapes.com.