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More Workers Gain Right to Organize and Bargain in New NLRB Decision

In a decision that opens the door to more American workers having more rights, the NLRB ruled last week that a company that contracts out work but owns and controls the workplace and sets job conditions could be considered a joint employer with contractors.

CWA released a statement regarding the National Labor Relation Board's Browning-Ferris ruling:

For too long, U.S. employers have used temporary and contract employees to evade their responsibilities to workers and to purposely block workers from organizing and bargaining collectively.

We agree with the National Labor Relations Board that 'it is not the goal of joint-employer law to guarantee the freedom of employers to insulate themselves from their legal responsibility to workers, while maintaining control of the workplace,' and we welcome this decision.

The NLRB took into account a broad range of factors that helps determine whether two companies qualify as joint employers. This standard and definition will make it easier to hold corporations accountable and responsible for the labor practices of their subcontractors and franchisees.

The AFL-CIO issued an explanation of the ruling here.