Top NLRB Lawyer Seeks Stricter Test for Employer Aid to Unions

The National Labor Relations Board’s top lawyer wants a stricter and clearer legal standard for deciding the legality of employer efforts to help union organizing campaigns.

NLRB General Counsel Peter Robb said in a memo that the case law for employer assistance to unions is “confusing and contradictory.” The memo, dated Friday, explains how regional officials should treat unfair labor practice allegations against employers for aiding unions, to tee up cases that give the board a chance to clarify the law.

Robb seeks a change to precedent that could limit what employers may include in neutrality agreements with unions that ...