Multi-Location Retail Store Not "Appropriate" For Bargaining

The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) recently held that a  proposed bargaining unit of 32 Connecticut stores of Sleepy's Inc. was not an appropriate multi-location bargaining unit. The decision, by board members Leibman and Schaumber, provides insight into how a retailer's operations can impact the scope of a bargaining unit should organizing efforts take place.

The Board Rules

Sleepy's Inc. is a bedding retailer, with approximately 700 stores, located primarily in the northeast. Each store is generally staffed by only one employee each work day. Union organizing efforts took place at many of its locations in Connecticut. After the ordinary administrative process, the board's Regional Director certified a proposed bargaining unit of 32 stores and about 62 employees.