Proposed changes in union election procedures that shorten the timeframe for union election campaigns and put a seven-day limit between a Notice of Hearing and a hearing make it “almost impossible” to stage fair elections, according to poultry industry groups.
Comments were prepared by the Joint Poultry Industry Human Resources Council, comprising the U.S. Poultry & Egg Association, National Chicken Council and National Turkey Federation, opposing the National Labor Relations Board’s proposed rules. The NLRB is an independent government agency that conducts elections for labor union representation and investigates unfair labor practices.
“Limiting the time period to seven days between the Notice of Hearing and the hearing presents an almost impossible sequence of events to satisfy timely, during which all parties must review the petition and attached documents, investigate the requirements and the facts, find counsel or other representatives, file technical Statements of Position upon penalty of waiver of rights to a hearing or of any appeal, prepare offers of proof, review and file appropriate voting lists...attempt to enter into a consent or stipulated election...” said the Joint Council in its comments.
The Joint Council concluded that the proposed changes do not meet the provisions of the National Labor Relations Act regarding fair elections.
