As we noted in our August 26 posting, the National Labor Relations Board (“Board”) has adopted a Rule that requires all employers covered by the National Labor Relations Act (“Act” or “NLRA”) to post a notice notifying employees of their rights under the Act. This requirement will apply to some 6 million private-sector employers, but not agricultural, railroad, airline or very small employers. The Rule is to inform employees – both unionized and non-unionized – of their rights under the Act, similar to posting requirements under the FLSA, FMLA and a recent Department of Labor rule requiring posting of NLRA rights by federal contractors.

Originally, the Rule was effective November 14, 2011. However, the NLRB has recently extended that deadline to January 31, 2012. The NLRB explained its reasoning for the extension as follows: “The decision to extend the rollout period followed queries from businesses and trade organizations indicating uncertainty about which businesses fall under the Board’s jurisdiction, and was made in the interest of ensuring broad voluntary compliance.” The Board also noted that the Rule was not otherwise amended and that no future changes are contemplated.

Therefore, unless one of the legal challenges filed by several national trade associations is successful in enjoining the Board from enforcing this Rule, employers will be required to post the 11-by-17-inch poster in a conspicuous location seen by all employees in the workplace by the new January 31, 2012, deadline.