NLRB Amendments to R Case Rules Slow Down Quickie Elections

On May 31, 2020, the NLRB’s long-awaited amendments to its procedures regarding the procedure and schedule of Representation or “R” cases will become effective, revising changes that went into effect in 2014 (see prior alert on so-called “Quickie” or “Ambush” Election Rules here). There are a number of changes, including additional requirements on filings, as well as changing schedules, but the main takeaways result in a longer process allowing for more time to campaign and additional filing requirements to enable a more complete record prior to hearings.

Parties will now receive 14 business days after the filing of the Notice of Hearing (“NOH”) prior to holding a pre-election hearing to resolve unit and other disputes. This increase nearly triples the existing rule, which provided eight calendar days.

Furthermore, an election may not be scheduled before the 20th business day after issuance of a Decision and Direction of Election (“DDE”), absent a waiver. However, the Regional Director (“RD”) has discretion to issue a Notice of Election (“NOE”) shortly after the DDE is issued. The RD may also choose to investigate issues before issuing the NOE. Under the prior quickie election rules, an election could be held as early as four days after the DDE (and generally no more than 21 days after the date of the petition). This change greatly extends the time period for conducting an election.

Additionally, while the non-petitioning party now receives eight business days after service of the NOH (it was previously one day before the hearing, typically seven calendar days after service), to file a Statement of Position (“SOP”), petitioners are now required to submit a written Responsive Statement of Position (“RSOP”), which was not required previously. Failure to submit an RSOP may result in a party being precluded from raising an issue, presenting evidence relating to an issue, cross-examining witnesses concerning an issue, and presenting argument concerning an issue if the party failed to raise the issue in its SOPor to dispute another party’s SOP or RSOP. The RSOPs must be file and served on all parties in response to each party’s SOP. Previously, parties were able to respond to issues raised in a SOP at the hearing. Under the amended rules, every issue is identified in advance.

The RSOP does not need to be excessively detailed to avoid preclusion of issues, but sufficient to identify the issue. It must be clear from the RSOP that the petitioner disputes the other party’s position. The RD may allow an amendment upon showing of good cause.

At the hearing, parties are now able to litigate the scope of the unit, eligibility of voters, and supervisory status, provided they are properly raised as described above. Issues will not be deferred unless agreed upon by the parties. Even if precluded from litigating issues, parties are still able to challenge voters at the election. Election details remain immune from litigation.

Parties now have a right to file briefs in pre- or post-election, post-hearing briefs. Post-hearing briefs must be filed within five business days. Under the previous rules, parties were required to seek leave to file from the RD or Hearing Officer.

In terms of timing, all time periods are now calculated in “business days,” with the exception of 10 calendar days for the parties to have the voter list prior to election. Other schedule changes include:

For more information on this subject, contact a member of Benesch’s Labor & Employment Practice Group.

W. Eric Baisden at ebaisden@beneschlaw.com or 216.363.4676.

Adam Primm at aprimm@beneschlaw.com or 216.363.4451.