United States: joint-employer status is ‘back in business’

A key ruling dating from December 2017 by the Republican dominated NLRB federal agency (National Labor Relations Board) on joint-employer status has been thrown out, because one of the five voting members had a conflict of interest and never should have voted. In a report, the inspector general examining the case remarked that there had been ‘a serious and flagrant problem and/or deficiency’. Trump appointee board member William Emanuel has subsequently had to recuse himself and the rules of the game now revert to the Browning-Ferris standard during the Obama era.
Enjoy this article for free while you’re in your trial period
You have access to our content for 1 month.

Backstory. At the end of 2017, President Trump finally designated his candidates for NLRB board membership. Republicans had 3 votes and thus a majority. They used this majority position to overturn a highly controversial joint-employer standard that had been established during former president Obama’s tenure. At that time in 2015, the then Democrat majority NLRB had examined the Browning–Ferris case. The waste-treatment specialist had at that time been working with a Californian recycling busin

Do you have information to share with us?
What you absolutely must read this week
The essential content of the week selected by the editorial team.
See all
France: sectors feel economic slowdown to differing degrees
The latest data on France’s occupational sectors (branches professionnelles), covering the year 2023, show how employment trends are shaping workplace dynamics. After a more favourable period for...
United Kingdom: Parliament finally passes Employment Rights Bill
The UK Labour government's flagship reform of employment rights was passed by both houses on 16 December after a turbulent parliamentary process. The bill introduces numerous changes to labour...
18 December 2025
EU: social partners in telecoms sign joint statement on AI
On 16 December, the social partners in Europe's telecommunications sector unveiled a joint statement on artificial intelligence. They propose an action plan for skills and commit to raising...
18 December 2025
EU: MEPs demand directive on algorithmic management
Members of the European Parliament have called for a directive on algorithmic management. Such legislation would introduce obligations for companies to inform employees, assess health and safety...
17 December 2025
Most viewed articles of the month on mind HR
What readers clicked on the most last month.
What readers clicked on the most last month.
1
Spain: new terms and conditions for in-company training contracts
On 25 November, Spain's Council of Ministers approved a regulation on training contracts. This text defines the terms and conditions for hosting work-study students and interns doing professional...
2
EU: Commission issues first recommendation on human capital as part of European Semester
In parallel with the European Semester adopted on 25 November, which proposes guidelines to member states on economic policies for the coming year, the European Commission has adopted an...
3
France: sectors feel economic slowdown to differing degrees
The latest data on France’s occupational sectors (branches professionnelles), covering the year 2023, show how employment trends are shaping workplace dynamics. After a more favourable period for...
4
Germany: apprenticeship openings fall sharply in manufacturing and chemicals
From 1 January 2026, Dutch collective agreements for temporary employment agencies will alter the employment conditions of temp workers. Agencies will be required to pay these workers at least the...