National Labor Relations Board v. Hotel Employees & Restaurant Employees International Union Local 26

**Union Cannot Fire Member for Complaining About Picket Duty** This case involved Emma Johnson, a member of a hotel and restaurant workers' union who complained about the picket line schedule her union had assigned. The union responded by firing Johnson from her union membership, which affected her ability to work in unionized workplaces. Johnson filed a complaint with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), arguing that the union violated federal labor law by retaliating against her for speaking up. The NLRB agreed with Johnson and ordered the union to reinstate her. When the union challenged this decision in federal court, the court sided with the NLRB and enforced the order. The court ruled that Johnson's complaints about the picket schedule were "protected concerted activity" under federal labor law, meaning workers have the right to voice concerns about working conditions without facing retaliation. **What this means for workers:** Even union members have legal protection when they speak up about union policies or working conditions. Unions cannot punish members for raising legitimate complaints or concerns. Workers have the right to voice disagreements with their union's decisions without losing their membership or job opportunities. If a union retaliates against you for speaking up, you can file a complaint with the NLRB.