NLRB General Counsel

@nlrbgc.bsky.social

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William Cowen is the Acting General Counsel of the National Labor Relations Board.

White text over a blue background reads, "NLRB Region 32-Oakland wins injunction requiring AAA to rescind unlawful policy and maintain employee commissions." Next to the test is a photo of man wearing a "towing operator' vest walking next to his two truck which has a car hitched to it.
A photo of a developer with the text "NLRB Region 32–Oakland Secures Settlement Requiring Mozilla to Pay $300,000 to Worker"
White text over a green brick background reads, "The NLRB has Information Officers ready to help you." A dotted yellow line separates that text from the following contact info: Phone: 844-762-6572. Email: PublicInfo@nlrb.gov. Website: nlrb.gov." Next to the text is a photo of a woman wearing a green apron, holding a clip board, and making a phone call.
Know Your Workplace rights: Captive Audience Meetings. Under labor law, you have the right to freely decide whether to unionize, including the right to freely decide whether, when, and how to listen to your employer's views on your decision. So, if your employer requires you to attend meetings in which it expresses its views on a union (AKA "a captive audience meeting"), your employer is violating federal law. An employer can ONLY hold a meeting to express its views on a union if it does certain things to make sure you can freely exercise your right not to attend. It must give a reasonable prior notice of the meeting's topic, that it's voluntary with no adverse consequence if you don't attend, and it won't keep meeting attendance records. The National Labor Relations Board is an independent federal agency that protects the rights of private sector employees to join together, with or without a union, to improve their wages and working conditions.
A photo of a janitor with the caption "Region 22-Newark Approves Settlement in Unlawful No-Poach Case"
White text over a dark blue background reads, "Region 20-San Francisco Wins Injunction Against Satellite Healthcare, Covering 11 Facilities in the Bay Area." Next to the text is a photo of two nurses examining a clipboard as they walk down a hallway.
The background is gold twinkling lights. White text over the background reads, "Sending Peace, Light, and Joy. Happy Holidays! From NLRB General Counsel Jennifer Abruzzo."
White text over a purple background reads, "Region 16-Fort Worth Secures Settlement Requiring Dallas Black Dance Theatre to Pay Dancers $565,000." Next to the text is a photo of a male ballerina in a dance pose with one leg and one arm stretched out.
White text over a gray background reads, "Region-24 Indianapolis Secures Settlement of over $450,000 for Workers." Next to the text are two HVAC technicians working on an unit.
Brown text over a light background reads, "Happy Thanksgiving from the NLRB General Counsel Jennifer Abruzzo." On the upper left and bottom right corners are fall-themed leaves and branches.
A quote graphic. The text is overlayed on a photo of the Supreme Court columns. The text reads, "the Board acts in a public capacity to give effect to the declared public policy of the Act... by encouraging collective bargaining and by protecting the 'exercise by workers of full freedom of association, self-organization, and designation of representatives of their own choosing, for the purpose of negotiating the terms and conditions of their employment.'" - National Licorice Co. v. NLRB, 309 U.S. 350, 362 (1940).
A photo of four nurses walking in a hospital talking to each other. Next to the photo dark blue text over a light blue background reads, "Region 13-Chicago Secures Settlement Requiring Howard Brown Health to Pay Workers $1.3 Million & Bargain in Good Faith."
White text over a blue background reads, "Region 29-Brookly Secures Settlement Requiring Plumbing Company Rescind Training Repayment Agreement and Pay $81,000 to Employees." Next to the text is a photo of a plumber working on a sink with an open toolbox next to him.
Blue text over a white background reads, "Region 9-Cincinnati Issues Complaint against CommuniCare Family of Companies Alleging Unlawful Stay-or-Pay Agreement." Next to the text is a photo of a nurse taking the blood pressure of a patient in a wheelchair.
White text over an orange background reads, "You and your coworkers have the right to rattle on about your working conditions." Next to the text are three skeletons singing into microphones.
White text over a dark purple background reads, "Don't be scared, be prepared!" The word "scared" is orange-colored and in a Halloween-themed font. Below the text reads, "Know Your Section 7 rights. nlrb.gov." Around the text are three little ghosts and a spider web.
Light text over a burnt-red background reads, "Region 7-Detroit Wins Injunction Requiring Trinity Health Grand Haven Hospital to Recognize and Bargain with the Union." Next to the text is a photo of two nurses in scrubs looking at clip boards.
White text over a green background reads, "The NLRB has Information Officers ready to help you. Call: 844-762-6572. Email: PublicInfo@nlrb.gov. Website: nlrb.gov." Next to the text is a woman wearing an apron making a phone call.
Know Your Workplace Rights: Remedies. Under the National Labor Relations Act, you are entitled to all of the remedies needed to undo the harm created by unfair labor practices (ULPs) that have affected you. Remedies can include reinstatement and payment of money you lost as a direct or foreseeable result of the ULPs - like costs associated with your home, car/transport, healthcare, or professional license. An employer could also be required to get rid of an unlawful rule or contract term, stop enforcement of it, remove disciplinary actions, and reimburse money you and coworkers lost as a result. If you think you're the victim of an ULP, hold n to your receipts and tell your Board agent about all the financial harms you've suffered. The National Labor Relations Board is an independent federal agency that protects the rights of private sector employees to join together, with or without a union, to improve their wages and working conditions.
A graphic showing a list. Black text over a notebook background reads, "Full make-whole remedies obtained by NLRB Regional Office." Below that text is a list with green check marks next to each item. The items are, "moving expenses, bank overdraft fees, penalties for early retirement fund withdrawal, increases in health insurance costs, credit card interest, and day care costs."
Black text over a background of $100 bills reads, "In FY2024, the NLRB recovered almost $57 million for victims of unfair labor practices."
Black text over a blue-yellow gradient reads, "In FY2024, the NLRB secured 1,217 offers of reinstatement for unlawfully terminated workers." Below the text is a large group of people raising their hands.
Black text over a light blue background reads, "I urge Congress to fully fund the NLRB so that employers, unions, and workers receive prompt and meaningful case resolutions." - NLRB General Counsel Jennifer Abruzzo.
Black text over a salmon-colored background reads, "The NLRB has 62% less field staff than it did in FY 2011." Next to the text is a decreasing bar chart and arrow showing the decline in field staff.
Black text over a salmon-colored background reads, "From FY 2023 to FY 2024, unfair labor practice charge filings increased 7%." Next to the text is a black arrow pointing upwards.
Black text over a light background reads, "Union election petitions filed with the NLRB have doubled since FY 2021." Next to the text is a bar chart showing the increase from FY21 to FY24.
White text over a dark green background reads, "The NLRB has Information Officers ready to help you. Phone number: 844-762-6572. Email: PublicInfo@nlrb.gov. Website: nlrb.gov." Next to the text is a woman wearing an apron making a phone call while holding a clip board.
Know Your Workplace Rights: Employment Agreement Provisions. Under the National Labor Relations Act, you have the right to join together with your coworkers to improve your working conditions - and a right to share information about your working conditions. If you are currently subject to an employment agreement (including an exit/severance agreement) that restricts your ability to do either, it could be unlawful. For example, overly broad confidentiality, non-disclosure, non-disparagement provisions, and provisions that restrict employee mobility (like non-competes, stay-or-pay, training repayment) can violate the law. Under the law, you can't be forced to sign away your labor rights. Even if you've signed, an unlawful provision is not enforceable against you. The National Labor Relations Board is an independent federal agency that protects the rights of private sector employees to join together, with or without a union, to improve their wages and working conditions.
A quote graphic. White text over a dark green background reads, "Stay-or-pay provisions have serious potential for suppressing union organizing and other concerted activity for mutual aid or protection, including by impairing job mobility." - General Counsel Jennifer Abruzzo.
White text over a dark green background reads, "General Counsel Abruzzo Issues Memo on Seeking Remedies for Non-Compete & Stay-or-Pay Provisions." Next to the text is a photo of a woman holding up a contract pointing to a clause using a pencil.
A flyer for the NLRB's Virtual Program, Disability Mentoring Day. Text reads, "October 16, 2024 / 11am-1pm EST. United in Action: Embracing Our Differences. Get ready to join us for an unforgettable day of inclusion and accessibility! The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) Disability Mentoring Day 2024 is the ultimate event for anyone who believes that everyone deserves equal access to information and services. The event will be a free one-day, virtual event experience via Zoom. Our information-packed schedule includes thought-provoking presentations, workshops, and an informative panel discussion. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting out, you'll leave feeling energized and equipped with knowledge and tools for exploring a career with the NLRB. So, mark your calendars and join us for NLRB's Disability Mentoring Day 2024 - it's an event you won't want to miss! Resume Building, Career Paths, Utilizing USA Jobs."
A photo of an autoworker with the text: "Region 28-Phoenix Wins Injunction Requiring Lucid USA Inc. to Reinstate Employees"
A photo of two office workers with the text "Region 27-Denver Secures Settlement Requiring Big Green Pay Nearly $450,000 to Employees"
The headshot of Dr. César F. Rosado Marzán. He is in a suit and tie and looking directly at the camera while smiling.
A flyer. Text reads, "Virtual Program. Disability Mentoring Day. October 16, 2024 / 11:00am-1:00pm EST. United in Action: Embracing Our Differences. Get ready to join us for an unforgettable day of inclusion and accessibility! The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) Disability Mentoring Day 2024 is the ultimate event for anyone who believes that everyone deserves equal access to information and services. The event will be a free one-day, virtual event experience via Zoom. Our information-packed schedule includes thought-provoking presentations, workshops, and an informative panel discussion. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting out, you'll leave feeling energized and equipped with knowledge and tools for exploring a career with the NLRB. So, mark your calendars and join us for NLRB's Disability Mentoring Day 2024 - it's an event you won't want to miss! Free registration! Resume Building; Career Paths; Utilizing USA jobs."
A photo of a janitor with the text: "NLRB Region 22-Newark Issues Complaint Against New Jersey Building Services Employer Alleging Unlawful No-Poach Provision"
A graphic with white text over a blue/green gradient background. The text reads, "Apply now to the NLRB's Honors Program and Make a Difference. Deadline extended until September 13!" Next to the text is a young man in a suit working on a laptop with law books behind him.
White text over a blue background reads, "Region 25-Indianapolis Secures Settlement Requiring Hall Aluminum Products, Inc. Pay $200,000 in Backpay and Benefits." Next to the text on the left-hand side is a phot of two employees in a factory wearing hard hats and looking at a clip board.
A graphic that says "Labor Day" big, bright, yellow letters. Below the text in small, white text reads, "Today, we honor all workers who support each other and our communities Happy Labor Day from General Counsel Jennifer Abruzzo." Below the text is a drawing of eight people in different professions including a firefighter, doctor, and chef.
A tri-fold design laying out the rights held by immigrant workers as protected under the National Labor Relations Act. The text states: "You are protected under the National Labor Relations Act regardless of your immigration status. You have the right to talk about your pay and unfair treatment in your workplace, vote in a union election, join a union, or strike. The NLRB will not ask about your immigration status and will not share your info with DHS or ICE, unless you ask us to as part of a request for relief. If you tell us there is a need for protection at a worksite, we may be able to provide documentation to assist workers in applying for deferred action or other relief. The National Labor Relations Board is an independent federal agency that protects the rights of private sector employees to join together, with or without a union, to improve their wages and working conditions."
A tri-fold design laying out the rights held by immigrant workers as protected under the National Labor Relations Act. The text states: "You are protected under the National Labor Relations Act regardless of your immigration status. You have the right to talk about your pay and unfair treatment in your workplace, vote in a union election, join a union, or strike. The NLRB will not ask about your immigration status and will not share your info with DHS or ICE, unless you ask us to as part of a request for relief. If you tell us there is a need for protection at a worksite, we may be able to provide documentation to assist workers in applying for deferred action or other relief. The National Labor Relations Board is an independent federal agency that protects the rights of private sector employees to join together, with or without a union, to improve their wages and working conditions."
Yellow text over a dark red background reads, "Labor Rights Week." Next to the text is a group of five hands being raised.
White text over a blue background reads, "Apply now to the NLRB's Honors Program and Make a Difference. Apply by September 6th!" Nex to the text is a woman reading a textbook next to a statue of Lady Justice.
A tri-fold design laying out the rights held by immigrant workers as protected under the National Labor Relations Act. The text states: "You are protected under the National Labor Relations Act regardless of your immigration status. You have the right to talk about your pay and unfair treatment in your workplace, vote in a union election, join a union, or strike. The NLRB will not ask about your immigration status and will not share your info with DHS or ICE, unless you ask us to as part of a request for relief. If you tell us there is a need for protection at a worksite, we may be able to provide documentation to assist workers in applying for deferred action or other relief. The National Labor Relations Board is an independent federal agency that protects the rights of private sector employees to join together, with or without a union, to improve their wages and working conditions."
Yellow text over a dark red background reads, "Labor Rights Week." Next to the text is a group of five hands being raised.
A photo of a gavel with the text "NLRB Region 6-Pittsburgh Files for an Injunction Against Pittsburgh Post-Gazette in Federal District Court"
Know Your Workplace Rights: Extreme Heat. Under the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA), you have the right to join with your coworkers to demand a safe workplace, including protections from extreme heat. If you are working in extreme heat conditions, employers covered by the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Act have an obligation to protect you from heat-related hazards. If you employer is not doing so, you and your coworkers can speak up and demand water breaks, rest breaks, and other measures to ensure workers are safe. Any retaliation from your employer is prohibited under the law and can violate the NLRA, the OSH Act, and state laws. The National Labor Relations Board is an independent federal agency that protects the rights of private sector employees to join together, with or without a union, to improve their wages and working conditions.
A photo of a woman making a phone call with the text "The NLRB has information officers ready to help you." An icon of a phone with 844-762-6572, an envelope with publicinfo@nlrb.gov, and a globe with nlrb.gov.
A graphic that says "New GC memo: Clarifying Universities' and Colleges' Disclosure Obligations under the National Labor Relations Act and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act" with a photo of a student-worker assisting a student in a lab.
Photo of a graduate student-worker leading a discussion at a university.
White text over a dark green background reads, "The NLRB has Information Officers ready to help you. Call: 844-762-6572. Email: PublicInfo@nlrb.gov. Website: nlrb.gov." Next to the text is a woman wearing an apron making a phone call.
A flyer from the NLRB on workers' rights translated into Portuguese.
A screenshot of the languages the NLRB has translated publications into including: Spanish, Arabic, Chinese (Traditional), Chinese (Simplified), French, Haitian Creole, Hindi, Hmong, Korean, Polish, Portuguese, Punjabi, Russian, Somali, Tagalog, Urdu, and Vietnamese.
A photo of a group of UAW members smiling at the camera. General Counsel Abruzzo is in the center of the photo.
A photo of three people. On the left is Eileen Hennessy from the National Mediation Board, in the middle is NLRB General Counsel Jennifer Abruzzo, and on the right is and Sylvia Gilbert from the Canadian Industrial Relations Board. They are in a conference room.
White text over a trans flag background reads, "New OM Memo: Ensuring Dignity and Respect in NLRB Processes to Ensure Compliance with Title VII Principles."
A photo of seven people draped in pride flags looking at each other with happiness.
White text over a gray background reads, "NLRB General Counsel Reaffirms Commitment to Seeking Injunctions to Protect Workers' Rights." Next to the text is a photo of a gavel and a blurry American flag.
Black text over a white background reads, "Region-6 Pittsburgh Obtains Settlement of More than $190,000 for Unlawfully Withheld Wage Increases and Terminations of Workers." Next to the text is a photo of four employees at a conference table.
White text over a green background reads, "The NLRB has Information Officers ready to help you." The phone number is: 844-762-6572; email is: PublicInfo@nlrb.gov; website is: nlrb.gov." Next to the text is a photo of a woman with a clipboard making a phone call.