National Labor Relations Board v. Katz

**What Happened** Katz, an employer, was in contract negotiations with a union representing his workers. While these talks were ongoing, Katz decided to make changes to employee wages, work hours, and other working conditions without discussing these changes with the union first. The National Labor Relations Board filed a complaint, arguing that Katz's actions violated federal labor law. **What the Court Decided** The Supreme Court ruled against Katz in 1962. The Court found that employers cannot unilaterally change wages, hours, or working conditions while they are negotiating a contract with a union. Such changes violate the employer's legal duty to bargain in good faith under the National Labor Relations Act. The Court determined this was an unfair labor practice. **Why This Matters for Workers** This decision strengthens workers' collective bargaining rights. It means that when a union is negotiating on behalf of employees, the employer cannot bypass the union and make changes to pay or working conditions on their own. Employers must negotiate these changes through the proper process with the union. This protects workers from having their terms of employment changed without their representatives having a say in the matter.