{
    "schema": "amendsignal.record/1",
    "generated_on": "2026-11-04",
    "publisher": {
        "name": "AmendSignal",
        "url": "https://amendsignal.com/"
    },
    "notice": "Coverage is limited, so a missing record does not mean nothing changed. General information, not legal advice. Check the official source. Please cite the record's url.",
    "change": {
        "id": 66,
        "url": "https://amendsignal.com/changes/national-labor-relations-board-general-counsel-lists-board-decisions-she-is-asking/",
        "title": "National Labor Relations Board General Counsel lists Board decisions she is asking or plans to ask the Board to overturn",
        "change_type": "guidance",
        "change_type_label": "General Counsel memo",
        "status": "guidance_issued",
        "status_label": "Issued as agency guidance",
        "status_statement": "As of our last check on November 2, 2026, this is agency guidance, not a rule. It explains how the agency reads the law and does not create a legal requirement on its own.",
        "significance": "No new requirements",
        "jurisdiction": {
            "code": "US",
            "name": "United States"
        },
        "authority": {
            "name": "National Labor Relations Board",
            "short_name": "NLRB"
        },
        "identifiers": [
            {
                "type": "gc_memo_number",
                "label": "General Counsel memo",
                "value": "GC 26-04"
            }
        ],
        "dates": [
            {
                "type": "publication",
                "label": "Published",
                "value": "2026-08-26",
                "precision": "day"
            }
        ],
        "in_short": {
            "what_changed": "The General Counsel of the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) published memo GC 26-04. It lists positions already taken asking the Board to overturn seven recent decisions, and six more decisions the General Counsel intends to challenge when a suitable case arises.",
            "whos_affected": "Employers and unions with cases before the NLRB that involve these issues, especially unionized employers and employers facing organizing. The memo itself is addressed to NLRB regional staff.",
            "what_to_do": "This memo creates no new duties for employers. Current Board decisions still apply, so keep following them while watching for Board rulings on the cases the memo names."
        },
        "summary": "The General Counsel of the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) issued a memo listing Board decisions the General Counsel has asked, or intends to ask, the Board to overturn. The decisions cover severance agreements, work rules, captive audience meetings, dress codes, bargaining orders and dues checkoff. The memo does not change the law: regional offices are told to keep applying current Board law.",
        "business_functions": {
            "state": "limited",
            "functions": [
                {
                    "slug": "human-resources",
                    "name": "Human resources"
                },
                {
                    "slug": "payroll",
                    "name": "Payroll"
                },
                {
                    "slug": "labor-relations",
                    "name": "Labor relations"
                },
                {
                    "slug": "legal-and-compliance",
                    "name": "Legal and compliance"
                }
            ]
        },
        "added_on": "2026-11-03",
        "updated_on": null,
        "updates_in_progress": null,
        "last_checked": "2026-11-02",
        "record_url": "https://amendsignal.com/changes/national-labor-relations-board-general-counsel-lists-board-decisions-she-is-asking/record.json",
        "what_changed": [
            {
                "kind": "fact",
                "kind_label": "From the source",
                "text": "The General Counsel says the memo identifies cases where the General Counsel has asked, or intends to ask, the Board to revisit certain precedents.",
                "evidence": [
                    {
                        "source": "https://apps.nlrb.gov/link/document.aspx/09031d4584351740",
                        "locator": "Introduction",
                        "excerpt": "I am issuing this memorandum to identify cases where I have requested or intend to request the Board to revisit certain precedents."
                    }
                ]
            },
            {
                "kind": "fact",
                "kind_label": "From the source",
                "text": "Positions already taken: overturning McLaren Macomb (2023) on severance and other employment agreements, Metro Health (2024) on consent orders, Stericycle (2023) on work rules, and Amazon.com Services (2024) on captive audience meetings.",
                "evidence": [
                    {
                        "source": "https://apps.nlrb.gov/link/document.aspx/09031d4584351740",
                        "locator": "Positions Taken by the General Counsel",
                        "excerpt": "Severance Agreements (and other Employment Agreements): Arguing to overrule McLaren Macomb, 372 NLRB No. 58 (2023)"
                    },
                    {
                        "source": "https://apps.nlrb.gov/link/document.aspx/09031d4584351740",
                        "locator": "Positions Taken by the General Counsel",
                        "excerpt": "Consent Orders: Requesting to overturn Metro Health Inc. d/b/a Hospital Metropolitano Rio Piedras, 373 NLRB No. 89 (2024)"
                    },
                    {
                        "source": "https://apps.nlrb.gov/link/document.aspx/09031d4584351740",
                        "locator": "Positions Taken by the General Counsel",
                        "excerpt": "Work Rules: Arguing to overturn Stericycle , 372 NLRB No. 113 (2023)"
                    },
                    {
                        "source": "https://apps.nlrb.gov/link/document.aspx/09031d4584351740",
                        "locator": "Positions Taken by the General Counsel",
                        "excerpt": "Captive Audience Meetings: Encouraging the Board to reverse Amazon.com Services LLC., 373 NLRB No. 136 (2024), and return to the longstanding “captive audience” standard set in Babcock & Wilcox, 77 NLRB No. 577 (1948)"
                    }
                ]
            },
            {
                "kind": "fact",
                "kind_label": "From the source",
                "text": "Further positions already taken: setting aside Siren Retail (2024) on employer predictions about the effects of unionization, Tesla (2022) on dress codes, and Endurance Environmental Solutions (2024) on waiver of the right to bargain.",
                "evidence": [
                    {
                        "source": "https://apps.nlrb.gov/link/document.aspx/09031d4584351740",
                        "locator": "Positions Taken by the General Counsel",
                        "excerpt": "that I do not share my predecessor’s views on Siren Retail Corp. d/b/a Starbucks , 373 NLRB No. 135 (2024), and will argue to the Board to reinstate Tri -Cast, Inc., 274 NLRB No. 377 (1985)."
                    },
                    {
                        "source": "https://apps.nlrb.gov/link/document.aspx/09031d4584351740",
                        "locator": "Positions Taken by the General Counsel",
                        "excerpt": "I argue against application of Tesla, Inc., 371 NLRB No. 131 (2022), and request the Board to reinstate Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., 368 NLRB No. 146 (2019)."
                    },
                    {
                        "source": "https://apps.nlrb.gov/link/document.aspx/09031d4584351740",
                        "locator": "Positions Taken by the General Counsel",
                        "excerpt": "I noted the standard set in Endurance Environmental Solutions, LLC, 373 NLRB No. 141 (2024) should be overturned."
                    }
                ]
            },
            {
                "kind": "fact",
                "kind_label": "From the source",
                "text": "Positions the General Counsel intends to present when a suitable case arises: challenging Cemex (2023) on bargaining orders, Wendt and Tecnocap (2023) on bargaining before changing terms of employment, Kroger (2014) on union objector fees, Miller Plastic Products and Lion Elastomers II (2023) on protected concerted activity, Valley Hospital Medical Center (2022) on dues checkoff after a contract expires, and Thryv (2022) on enhanced remedies.",
                "evidence": [
                    {
                        "source": "https://apps.nlrb.gov/link/document.aspx/09031d4584351740",
                        "locator": "Anticipated Positions to Present to the Board for Consideration",
                        "excerpt": "I intend to challenge several other precedents, if the opportunity arises"
                    },
                    {
                        "source": "https://apps.nlrb.gov/link/document.aspx/09031d4584351740",
                        "locator": "Anticipated Positions to Present to the Board for Consideration",
                        "excerpt": "Bargaining Orders: Intent to challenge the Board’s decision in Cemex Construction Materials Pacific, LLC, 372 NLRB No. 130 (2023)"
                    },
                    {
                        "source": "https://apps.nlrb.gov/link/document.aspx/09031d4584351740",
                        "locator": "Anticipated Positions to Present to the Board for Consideration",
                        "excerpt": "Intent to challenge the Board’s positions in Wendt Corporation, 372 NLRB No. 135 (2023), and Tecnocap, LLC , 372 NLRB No. 136 (2023)"
                    },
                    {
                        "source": "https://apps.nlrb.gov/link/document.aspx/09031d4584351740",
                        "locator": "Anticipated Positions to Present to the Board for Consideration",
                        "excerpt": "Intent to argue to the Board to overturn UFCW Local 700 (Kroger Limited Partnership), 361 NLRB 420 (2014)"
                    },
                    {
                        "source": "https://apps.nlrb.gov/link/document.aspx/09031d4584351740",
                        "locator": "Anticipated Positions to Present to the Board for Consideration",
                        "excerpt": "Protected Concerted Activity: Intent to urge the Board to revisit Miller Plastic Products, Inc., 372 NLRB No. 134 (2023)"
                    },
                    {
                        "source": "https://apps.nlrb.gov/link/document.aspx/09031d4584351740",
                        "locator": "Anticipated Positions to Present to the Board for Consideration",
                        "excerpt": "I disagree with Valley Hospital Medical Center, Inc., 371 NLRB No. 160, (2022)"
                    },
                    {
                        "source": "https://apps.nlrb.gov/link/document.aspx/09031d4584351740",
                        "locator": "Anticipated Positions to Present to the Board for Consideration",
                        "excerpt": "I intend to request the Board to reconsider Thryv Inc., 372 NLRB No. 22 (2022)"
                    }
                ]
            },
            {
                "kind": "fact",
                "kind_label": "From the source",
                "text": "Regional offices are told to keep investigating and, if justified, prosecuting cases under current Board law. Cases on these issues do not have to be sent to the Division of Advice.",
                "evidence": [
                    {
                        "source": "https://apps.nlrb.gov/link/document.aspx/09031d4584351740",
                        "locator": "Introduction",
                        "excerpt": "This memorandum does not require specific cases to be submitted to the Division of Advice."
                    },
                    {
                        "source": "https://apps.nlrb.gov/link/document.aspx/09031d4584351740",
                        "locator": "Introduction",
                        "excerpt": "Regions should continue to investigate the cases and, if justified, pursue prosecution according to extant Board law."
                    }
                ]
            },
            {
                "kind": "fact",
                "kind_label": "From the source",
                "text": "The memo says it is not a complete list of the General Counsel's positions and may be updated and reissued.",
                "evidence": [
                    {
                        "source": "https://apps.nlrb.gov/link/document.aspx/09031d4584351740",
                        "locator": "Anticipated Positions to Present to the Board for Consideration",
                        "excerpt": "This memorandum may be updated and reissued when arguments are finalized."
                    },
                    {
                        "source": "https://apps.nlrb.gov/link/document.aspx/09031d4584351740",
                        "locator": "Closing",
                        "excerpt": "While this is not all inclusive of my positions, current or future"
                    }
                ]
            }
        ],
        "who_is_affected": [
            {
                "kind": "fact",
                "kind_label": "From the source",
                "text": "The memo is addressed to the NLRB's regional staff.",
                "evidence": [
                    {
                        "source": "https://apps.nlrb.gov/link/document.aspx/09031d4584351740",
                        "locator": "Heading",
                        "excerpt": "TO: Regional Directors, Officers-in-Charge,"
                    }
                ]
            },
            {
                "kind": "inference",
                "kind_label": "Our analysis",
                "text": "Employers and unions with pending cases on the listed issues are most directly affected, because the memo tells regions how these cases will be handled and which arguments the General Counsel will make to the Board.",
                "evidence": [
                    {
                        "source": "https://apps.nlrb.gov/link/document.aspx/09031d4584351740",
                        "locator": "Introduction",
                        "excerpt": "Regions should continue to investigate the cases and, if justified, pursue prosecution according to extant Board law."
                    }
                ]
            },
            {
                "kind": "inference",
                "kind_label": "Our analysis",
                "text": "Unionized employers with expiring contracts that contain a dues checkoff provision have a particular interest, since the General Counsel would urge a return to the rule that the checkoff obligation ends when the contract expires.",
                "evidence": [
                    {
                        "source": "https://apps.nlrb.gov/link/document.aspx/09031d4584351740",
                        "locator": "Anticipated Positions to Present to the Board for Consideration",
                        "excerpt": "which held that an employer’s statutory obligation to check off union dues ends when its collective- bargaining agreement containing a checkoff provision expires."
                    }
                ]
            }
        ],
        "business_implications": [
            {
                "kind": "inference",
                "kind_label": "Our analysis",
                "text": "The decisions the memo targets remain current Board law until the Board itself overturns them. Work rules, severance agreements, captive audience meetings and dress codes are still judged under those decisions for now.",
                "evidence": [
                    {
                        "source": "https://apps.nlrb.gov/link/document.aspx/09031d4584351740",
                        "locator": "Introduction",
                        "excerpt": "Regions should continue to investigate the cases and, if justified, pursue prosecution according to extant Board law."
                    }
                ]
            },
            {
                "kind": "inference",
                "kind_label": "Our analysis",
                "text": "If the Board adopts these positions, employers could see looser standards on severance terms, work rules, captive audience meetings, dress codes, bargaining before changes and remedies. The timing depends on Board decisions the memo does not predict.",
                "evidence": [
                    {
                        "source": "https://apps.nlrb.gov/link/document.aspx/09031d4584351740",
                        "locator": "Introduction",
                        "excerpt": "I am issuing this memorandum to identify cases where I have requested or intend to request the Board to revisit certain precedents."
                    }
                ]
            },
            {
                "kind": "inference",
                "kind_label": "Our analysis",
                "text": "Settlement discussions in pending cases may reflect these positions, since regions receive guidance on settlement for these issues.",
                "evidence": [
                    {
                        "source": "https://apps.nlrb.gov/link/document.aspx/09031d4584351740",
                        "locator": "Introduction",
                        "excerpt": "Regions have been, and continue to be, provided with guidance on best practices to use in the settlement, and prosecution, of the cases and issues discussed in the memo."
                    }
                ]
            }
        ],
        "required_actions": [],
        "recommended_actions": [
            {
                "kind": "recommendation",
                "kind_label": "Our suggestion",
                "text": "Consider continuing to apply current Board standards to handbooks, work rules, severance agreements and dress codes, since regions are told to follow current Board law until the Board changes it.",
                "evidence": [
                    {
                        "source": "https://apps.nlrb.gov/link/document.aspx/09031d4584351740",
                        "locator": "Introduction",
                        "excerpt": "Regions should continue to investigate the cases and, if justified, pursue prosecution according to extant Board law."
                    }
                ]
            },
            {
                "kind": "recommendation",
                "kind_label": "Our suggestion",
                "text": "Consider tracking Board decisions in the cases the memo names, and watching for an updated version of this memo.",
                "evidence": [
                    {
                        "source": "https://apps.nlrb.gov/link/document.aspx/09031d4584351740",
                        "locator": "Anticipated Positions to Present to the Board for Consideration",
                        "excerpt": "This memorandum may be updated and reissued when arguments are finalized."
                    }
                ]
            },
            {
                "kind": "recommendation",
                "kind_label": "Our suggestion",
                "text": "If you have a pending charge involving one of these issues, consider reviewing with counsel how the General Counsel's positions might affect settlement options.",
                "evidence": [
                    {
                        "source": "https://apps.nlrb.gov/link/document.aspx/09031d4584351740",
                        "locator": "Introduction",
                        "excerpt": "Regions have been, and continue to be, provided with guidance on best practices to use in the settlement, and prosecution, of the cases and issues discussed in the memo."
                    }
                ]
            },
            {
                "kind": "recommendation",
                "kind_label": "Our suggestion",
                "text": "If you check off union dues under a contract that is expiring, consider keeping current practice in line with present Board law while noting that the General Counsel intends to challenge the Valley Hospital decision.",
                "evidence": [
                    {
                        "source": "https://apps.nlrb.gov/link/document.aspx/09031d4584351740",
                        "locator": "Anticipated Positions to Present to the Board for Consideration",
                        "excerpt": "I disagree with Valley Hospital Medical Center, Inc., 371 NLRB No. 160, (2022)"
                    }
                ]
            }
        ],
        "required_actions_assessment": {
            "state": "assessed",
            "text": "This memo is guidance from the NLRB's General Counsel and creates no new legal requirement for employers. It states positions the General Counsel will argue to the Board and tells regional offices to keep applying current Board law."
        },
        "applicability": [
            {
                "criterion": "where",
                "label": "Where",
                "answer": "United States, nationwide",
                "kind": "fact",
                "kind_label": "From the source",
                "evidence": []
            },
            {
                "criterion": "employer_type",
                "label": "Employers",
                "answer": "Employers and unions with cases before the NLRB under the National Labor Relations Act; the memo itself directs NLRB regional staff.",
                "kind": "inference",
                "kind_label": "Our analysis",
                "evidence": [
                    {
                        "source": "https://apps.nlrb.gov/link/document.aspx/09031d4584351740",
                        "locator": "Background",
                        "excerpt": "to effectuate the National Labor Relations Act, the Agency must position itself to process cases in a consistent, efficient, and transparent manner."
                    },
                    {
                        "source": "https://apps.nlrb.gov/link/document.aspx/09031d4584351740",
                        "locator": "Heading",
                        "excerpt": "TO: Regional Directors, Officers-in-Charge,"
                    }
                ]
            },
            {
                "criterion": "industries",
                "label": "Industries",
                "answer": "All industries; the issues, such as work rules and severance agreements, are not limited to any industry.",
                "kind": "inference",
                "kind_label": "Our analysis",
                "evidence": [
                    {
                        "source": "https://apps.nlrb.gov/link/document.aspx/09031d4584351740",
                        "locator": "Positions Taken by the General Counsel",
                        "excerpt": "Work Rules: Arguing to overturn Stericycle , 372 NLRB No. 113 (2023)"
                    }
                ]
            },
            {
                "criterion": "functions",
                "label": "Functions",
                "answer": "Labor relations, HR and legal teams, plus payroll where union dues are checked off.",
                "kind": "inference",
                "kind_label": "Our analysis",
                "evidence": [
                    {
                        "source": "https://apps.nlrb.gov/link/document.aspx/09031d4584351740",
                        "locator": "Positions Taken by the General Counsel",
                        "excerpt": "Severance Agreements (and other Employment Agreements): Arguing to overrule McLaren Macomb, 372 NLRB No. 58 (2023)"
                    },
                    {
                        "source": "https://apps.nlrb.gov/link/document.aspx/09031d4584351740",
                        "locator": "Anticipated Positions to Present to the Board for Consideration",
                        "excerpt": "which held that an employer’s statutory obligation to check off union dues ends when its collective- bargaining agreement containing a checkoff provision expires."
                    }
                ]
            },
            {
                "criterion": "applies_if",
                "label": "Applies if",
                "answer": "You have a case before the NLRB, or may face one, involving one of the issues the memo lists.",
                "kind": "inference",
                "kind_label": "Our analysis",
                "evidence": [
                    {
                        "source": "https://apps.nlrb.gov/link/document.aspx/09031d4584351740",
                        "locator": "Introduction",
                        "excerpt": "Regions should continue to investigate the cases and, if justified, pursue prosecution according to extant Board law."
                    }
                ]
            },
            {
                "criterion": "action",
                "label": "Action",
                "answer": "Keep following current Board law and watch for Board rulings on these issues.",
                "kind": "recommendation",
                "kind_label": "Our suggestion",
                "evidence": [
                    {
                        "source": "https://apps.nlrb.gov/link/document.aspx/09031d4584351740",
                        "locator": "Introduction",
                        "excerpt": "Regions should continue to investigate the cases and, if justified, pursue prosecution according to extant Board law."
                    }
                ]
            }
        ],
        "open_questions": [
            {
                "question": "When will the Board rule on the General Counsel's requests to overturn these decisions?",
                "context": "The memo states the General Counsel's positions but gives no timeline for Board action, and current law stays in place until the Board acts."
            },
            {
                "question": "What other Board decisions might the General Counsel challenge?",
                "context": "The memo says it is not a complete list of the General Counsel's positions and may be updated and reissued."
            },
            {
                "question": "What settlement and prosecution guidance have regional offices received on these issues?",
                "context": "The memo says regions have been given guidance on best practices for settling and prosecuting these cases but does not describe it."
            }
        ],
        "events": [
            {
                "event_type": "originating_action",
                "label": "Issued",
                "occurred_on": "2026-08-26",
                "summary": "GC 26-04: Further Guidance Regarding General Counsel Priorities",
                "source": "https://apps.nlrb.gov/link/document.aspx/09031d4584351740"
            }
        ],
        "corrections": [],
        "sources": [
            {
                "label": "Further Guidance Regarding General Counsel Priorities",
                "publisher": "National Labor Relations Board",
                "role": "primary",
                "url": "https://apps.nlrb.gov/link/document.aspx/09031d4584351740"
            }
        ]
    }
}