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The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) recently launched a website to raise employee awareness of protected activity. Section 7 of the National Labor Relations Act protects an employee’s protected concerted activity (PCA), which includes the right to discuss terms of employment and collectively express workplace concerns.

The NLRB’s new website (http://www.nlrb.gov/concerted-activity) describes the rights of employees to engage in protected activity and includes an interactive map of the United States that details various NLRB cases involving protected concerted activity. The website also includes FAQ’s, recent news headlines involving the NLRB, and contact information.

NLRB chairman Mark Gaston Pearce stressed the importance of being vocal about PCA issues in order inform individuals about their protected activity rights, stating that “a right only has value when people know it exists. We think the right to engage in protected concerted activity is one of the best kept secrets of the National Labor Relations Act, and more important than ever in these difficult economic times. Our hope is that other workers will see themselves in the cases we’ve selected and understand that they do have strength in numbers.” 

As greater attention has been placed on social media activities of non-union employees within the scope of concerted activity under the NLRA, the NLRB’s website postings will be of particular interest to employers for up to date information on this fast changing topic.

Questions regarding employer policies on social media may be directed to William T. Salzer at wsalzer@swartcampbell.com.