Week Ahead:
The House and Senate are in recess until September 7. Please take this time to introduce yourself to your members of Congress as you see them around the district or state. Contact Kelly Fink at kfink@nacsonline.com or (703) 518-4228 if you would like help facilitating these meetings.

Week in Review:
On August 25, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) issued a final rule addressing "Notification of Employee Rights under the National Labor Relations Act." Effective 75 days following the August 26 scheduled publication in the Federal Register (November 9), every employer covered by the National Labor Relations Act will be required to post the prescribed 11 x 17 inch notice.

In addition to physical posting at "conspicuous places€¦readily seen by employees, including all places where notices to employees€¦are customarily posted," any employer that "customarily communicates" via Intranet or Internet with its employees as to "personnel rules or policies" must display an exact copy of the Notice on such site(s), or a link to the NLRB's website which reads, "Employee Rights under the National Labor Relations Act."

The new rule isn't just about unionizing and organizational rights (although it certainly is designed to promote that outcome). In addition to a rather one-sided statement of protections afforded to employees who are or who may wish to be engaged in organizing activities, the Notice speaks to protected concerted activities, alerting employees to protections they have in voicing complaints about terms and conditions of employment.

Other News:
NRF Urges NLRB to Reject Union Organizing Rules Changes
The group warns that a proposal for "quickie" union elections would "eviscerate" labor relations rules.

Opinion: Banning Food Stamps for Soda Does Not Impact Obesity
The USDA rejected New York City€™s proposal to ban the use of food stamps to purchase soda, but would the plan have been effective?