On August 27, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) affirmed a regional director’s decision holding that waste disposal company Browning-Ferris is a joint employer with their staffing agency, Leadpoint Solutions. According to the Los Angeles Times, the ruling from the NLRB means that companies using workers hired by another business — such as staffing agencies, contractors, or franchises, are still responsible for labor violations and could be required to bargain with unions representing those employees.
Browning-Ferris owned and operated a Houston recycling facility, but hired Leadpoint to staff it. Despite controlling the facility and the workers, Browning-Ferris attempted to use Leadpoint as a middleman to avoid their responsibilities under federal labor law.
In response to the NLRB ruling, UFCW International President Marc Perrone stated:
“Today is a victory for the hard-working men and women who fight for a better life, and the opportunity to join together and speak with one voice.
“For too long, irresponsible corporations have avoided responsibility for the workers they employ. Today’s decision will help hold bad employers accountable. Hopefully, this NLRB ruling ends this shell game that has hurt the opportunity for workers and their families to move forward and attain a better life.”
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