What are the laws governing union picketing?

In North Carolina, the laws governing union picketing are outlined in the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA). This federal statute is meant to protect employees’ rights to join and form unions, and to negotiate with employers over wages, hours, and working conditions. Under the NLRA, peaceful picketing is allowed at a place of employment to encourage employees to unionize. Unions can hand out informational materials and talks to passers-by and employees, but employers are not allowed to interfere with or confront the union while they are picketing. It is important to note that while peaceful union picketing is protected, laws prohibiting coercive or violent picketing still apply in North Carolina. Coercive picketing includes activities such as blocking sidewalks, harassing employees, or interfering with the employer’s operations. Any picketing that is not peaceful may be seen as a violation of the law and may be subject to punishment. In addition, the NLRA also outlines the rules governing “secondary” picketing, which is picketing at places other than the employer’s place of business. Secondary picketing is allowed in North Carolina, but it must be conducted in a peaceful manner and must be limited to informing the public about the labor dispute. It cannot be used to threaten customers or interfere with the employer’s business.

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What are the laws governing union picketing?

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