NLRB Links Bargaining to I-9 Compliance

The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) recently upheld an Administrative Law Judge’s (ALJ) finding on mandatory bargaining and I-9 compliance. The May NLRB ruling found that an employer wrongly refused to bargain over requiring employees to submit new I-9 forms. The employer also violated the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) by not discussing the effects of submitting new I-9s. The ruling follows the NLRB Acting General Council’s announcement proclaiming that the NLRB will more thoroughly enforce the NLRA.

Background of the Case

Generally, in 2018 and 2019, the employer performed a Form I-9 audit and discovered rampant non-compliance. In order to fix the issues, the employer would need to request new I-9 forms from 95% of its workers. Specifically, the affected workers included any hired after November 6th, 1986, and before March 31st, 2018. As such, in July 2019, the employer notified affected employees that they need to complete new I-9 forms. Consequently, the employees’ union complained that it did not receive notice of the I-9 demand and wanted to bargain. In short, the employer responded that union bargaining did not apply to I-9 compliance efforts, and refused the request. Because of the employer’s lack of cooperation, the union filed an unfair labor practice charge.

The Outcome of the Case

Eventually, the ALJ found and the NLRB agreed that the employer’s requirement to submit new I-9 forms was flawed. Basically, the decisions stated that bargaining and I-9 compliance ARE connected as the Form I-9 requirement affects employment conditions. In short, I-9s affect employment terms and conditions, as employees who do not complete the I-9 risk losing their job. Explicitly, the employer argued that bargaining and I-9 compliance are NOT connected. In essence, that is because the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 (IRCA) requires I-9 compliance. In summary, the ALJ and NLRB explained that the IRCA compliance was itself subject to mandatory bargaining. This is because the employer has discretion over how to comply with the IRCA. Accordingly, the ALJ and the NLRB found the employer violated the NLRA. Markedly, the violation occurred when the employer refused to bargain with the union concerning how to complete the I-9 forms.

Employer Takeaways

In conclusion, the NLRB and ALJ decisions showcase just how blurry the line is between federal law and NLRA requirements. As such, employers must be cautious of how federal or state laws affect NLRA bargaining. Additionally, if an employer considers updating personnel files or processes, it should consider whether it implicates NLRA obligations.