Entries by IRI Consultants

IRI Alert: NLRB Joint Employer Rule

The new NLRB joint employer rule, which takes effect on February 26, 2024, significantly expands the definition of joint employer status under the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA). Under the new rule, two or more employers are considered joint employers of a group of employees if they share or codetermine the essential terms and conditions of those employees’ employment.

2023 Labor Activity in Manufacturing

Manufacturers, like other employers, have faced a variety of challenges this year, including dynamic market forces, recruitment and retention issues, compensation pressures, and increased union activity, such as pickets, protests, and unionization efforts. In the manufacturing sector, the Teamsters and UFCW followed by the Machinists Union and the Operating Engineers have primarily led the union activity.

The year ahead includes new timelines for NLRB representation case (RC) elections, a loosening employment outlook, and the beginnings of pay transparency. Such challenges may impact labor relations. Unions will use these disruptions to further their organizing efforts and to target employers and their employees.

IRI Alert: Quickie Election Rules & Cemex

The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) issued a decision August 25th in Cemex Construction Materials Pacific, LLC, which immediately imposes a new framework that greatly expands the Board’s ability to impose unions on employees without a secret ballot election. In addition, the NLRB recently changed the election process and reinstated “quickie” elections that will take effect December 26, 2023. Employers must prepare now to avoid card check recognition and bargaining orders.

2023 Labor Activity in Health Care

The past year presented significant staffing issues, legal challenges, compensation concerns, and increased activities, such as pickets, protests, and unionization efforts, mainly led by National Nurses United (NNU) and the California Nurses Association (CNA).

The year ahead looks to continue these challenges, including the beginnings of pay transparency, new leave requirements, and a shift toward a value-based care model, which emphasizes quality outcomes and cost-effective care. Such challenges may impact labor relations as we ask health care workers to meet performance metrics and quality indicators to maintain job security and advancement opportunities. As a result, labor unions will likely use these metrics to further their organizing efforts.

Additionally, we’ve seen a sharp increase in residents, interns, and fellows unionizing across the United States. Since the pandemic, the rate of union organizing among these employees has increased threefold, and we expect that to further accelerate in 2023.

2023 Labor Activity in Retail

In collaboration with RILA, the Spring 2023 Retail Labor Report provides crucial insights for retailers preparing for the upcoming year. In 2022, high turnover and global workforce management challenges affected retailers, leading to increased demand for seasonal workers amid fierce competition. The coming year brings ongoing challenges, including pay transparency, new leave requirements, and potential adoption of a four-day workweek. Union organizing attempts, especially among younger workers, are on the rise, with broader campaign messaging. The emergence of “Independent Unions” adds complexity, making preparation for organizing attempts a necessity in 2023.

IRI Alert: Organizing by Residents & Interns

Residents, interns, and fellows – also known as the house staff in a hospital – are unionizing across the United States. Once the pandemic started, the rate of organizing increased threefold and is expected to accelerate in 2023.

House staff are primarily joining the Committee of Interns and Residents (CIR), which is a local of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU). The CIR/SEIU represents approximately 15 percent of house staff in the U.S. (over 24,000 residents, interns, and fellows) in more than 60 hospitals coast to coast.

2023 Labor Activity in Transportation & Logistics

Over the last 12 months, labor activity in transportation has brought the industry a variety of challenges. With a continued push for talent retention, adjustment to changing laws, and consideration of how new work styles are affecting workplace culture, 2022 was a year of reflection and reevaluation of our priorities and our approach.

In this second annual Labor Activity in Transportation & Logistics Report, you’ll find the latest data on union organizing and membership across the nation, as well as three timely labor and employee relations articles. In continued partnership with NATERA, IRI Consultants will be there with you as the Transportation industry continues to adapt over the coming year. We look forward to supporting your organization in building the strongest workforce in any industry.

2022 Monkeypox Outbreak

Understanding the needs of your workforce for current and accurate information is key when addressing any crisis, such as the 2022 Monkeypox Outbreak. The monkeypox outbreak in 2022 is cause for concern. However, with the right employee communication strategy in place, your organization can be prepared to communicate and react quickly.

Labor Activity in Health Care July-Dec 2021

The 56th Semi-Annual IRI Labor Activity in Health Care Report includes: An analysis of national, regional, and state representation petitions and elections (RC, RD, and RM) as reported by the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) during the second half of 2021.

The Labor Law/Activity Update: Articles written by labor experts about relevant and timely labor issues impacting employers and the workplace.

Labor Activity in Transportation 2022

The Labor Activity in Transportation Report includes: An analysis of national and state representation petitions and elections (RC, RD, and RM) as reported by the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) during 2020 and 2021

The Labor Law/Activity Update: Articles written by labor experts about relevant and timely labor issues impacting employers and the workplace