Shipping Firm Escapes NLRB Case on Jurisdictional Basis (1)

A divided National Labor Relations Board said it lacked jurisdiction over a maritime shipping company’s labor dispute because the company understood 40 years earlier that it had voluntarily recognized a union representing employees who were solely supervisors.

In a 2-1 ruling Monday, the NLRB reversed an administrative law judge’s 2018 decision against Sunrise Operations LLC for failing to provide requested information to and meet for arbitration with the International Organization of Masters, Mates & Pilots. The judge had exercised jurisdiction after finding at least some of the union workers weren’t supervisors.

The decision clarifies how the NLRB treats bargaining units ...