In our previous post, we noted that the National Labor Relations Board recently established new regulations requiring businesses to post notices informing employees about their right to unionize under federal law.

The National Labor Relations Board ruling comes in the wake of recent criticism by Republicans and businesses for its filing a case against Boeing, accusing the company of illegal retaliation against unionized workers at a Washington State plant by choosing to build a new $750 million aircraft production plant in South Carolina. That case is ongoing.

The labor board's proposed regulation to speed up the process of unionization elections has also been criticized by businesses, who say it will make it more difficult for employers to communicate to workers the disadvantages of joining a union. Unions, on the other hand, have praised the proposal as it will, they say, reduce delay and employer interference, and will make the unionization process easier.

The rule has, of course, received plenty of praise. Supporters point out that employers are already required to notify employees of their rights in regard to health and safety, wages, and on-the-job discrimination. Requiring employees to post notices on their unionization rights will better allow workers to exercise them.

Sources said that the labor board will be issuing another decision soon that is expected to make it easier for certain nursing home workers to unionize.

Source: New York Times, "New Rules Seen as Aid to Efforts to Unionize," Steven Greenhouse, August 25, 2011.