Source: Lisa M. Keefe, MEATINGPLACE, 4/9/14


For the poultry industry, among others, the National Labor Relations Board's proposed rule seeking changes to union election rules and procedures is a case of deja vu, and so is their response.

But the NLRB in February reintroduced the proposed rule on "Representation-Case Procedures" which first was unveiled in 2011, and then struck down by the courts on what the labor organization describes as a "technicality." The 2014 version of the proposal is essentially the same as the 2011 version, with updates.

The proposed changes include significantly reducing the amount of time allowed for various procedures to occur, such as filing paperwork or notifying participants of upcoming elections or hearings. The NLRB notes that the ubiquitous nature of electronic communications, among other developments, makes it possible to operate under shortened deadlines. Existing rules require communications to occur via paper documents, the agency notes on its website.

As they did three years ago, the U.S. Poultry & Egg Association, the National Chicken Council and the National Turkey Federation have filed a lengthy response to the proposal, calling the changes "unreasonable."

The proposal carries "the unmistakable appearance of a denial of due process and certainly will serve to increase litigation and delay timely elections rather than speed the election process," the group said in a news release about the comments.

To read the groups' submission, or any of the more than 8,000 comments submitted in the last month on the rule, click here.

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