Question

A hospital refused to purchase a better grade of utility gloves, even after learning that the cheaper utility gloves are easily punctured during routine use. This unsafe situation led nurses to seek unionization. During the pre-election phase for unionization, which actions by union representatives are prohibited by the National Labor Relations Board? (select all that apply)

a. Scheduling a meeting in the agency's cafeteria to determine employees' interest in unionization
b. Distributing nondocumented information that female nurses receive lower annual performance evaluations than do male nurses
c. Distributing information about the benefits of unionization and grievances in a public parking garage located across from the hospital
d. Suggesting to workers the likelihood of job loss should the union not win the election
e. Signing authorization cards for employees who are on leave.

Answer 1

Union representatives are prohibited from distributing false information, coercively suggesting job loss if the union is not formed, and signing authorization cards for absent employees during the pre-election phase as per the NLRB. These actions can create an unfair labor practice and interfere with free choice in the unionization process.

Step-by-step explanation:

When considering the actions prohibited by the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) during the pre-election phase for unionization, representatives must adhere to strict guidelines to ensure fairness in the election process. The actions that are prohibited include:

• Distributing nondocumented information that could be seen as character defamation or an unfair labor practice, such as suggesting female nurses receive lower annual performance evaluations than male nurses without proper documentation or evidence.
• Making coercive statements, such as suggesting to workers the likelihood of job loss should the union not win the election, which can be interpreted as a threat and influence the employees' free choice.
• Signing authorization cards on behalf of employees, including those who are on leave, as it is essential that all authorization cards are signed voluntarily and without any form of pressure or proxy.

The NLRB allows union and non-union workers to engage in certain activities such as scheduling meetings and distributing information, provided these acts are not coercive and do not interfere with employee rights. Protection of worker rights and promoting workplace safety have been core union objectives, and these must align with NLRB regulations during the election process.