loader
Page is loading...
Print Logo Logo
surfboards

Fast Times at the NLRB: The Labor Board Targets Spicoli


As the iconic movie character Jeff Spicoli would say, “no way!” In an interesting development, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) has issued a complaint against a nonprofit organization led by Sean Penn – the famous actor who played Spicoli in “Fast Times at Ridgemont High” – based on some comments he made to his workers.

According to a report from the New York Times, the issue started when workers at the nonprofit posted anonymous comments criticizing the long days (18 hours) and food options made available to them (doughnuts and sub sandwiches) by the organization. In response to those comments, Penn sent a letter to the workers that thanked them for their service but also remarked: “Any of us who might find themselves predisposed to a culture of complaint, have a much simpler avenue than broad-based cyber whining. It’s called quitting.” In other words, he effectively told any employee who had problems with his organization that they should leave.

The Los Angeles Times published Penn’s letter and reported on the incident. A labor lawyer saw Penn’s comments and took it upon himself to file charges with the NLRB alleging the remarks violated labor law. Apparently, the NLRB agreed, as it has issued a complaint against Penn and his organization for making “implied” threats against his employees with reprisals or discharge. The matter is set for trial in 2022 and Penn’s team has indicated it will not settle the case.

Were Penn’s comments unlawful? That’s for the labor board to decide. The agency historically has taken a hard line against policies or actions by companies that could “chill” employees from speaking out about working conditions. The NLRB has held that employees are privileged to protest or criticize things like long work hours. The fact the Board now has a pro-labor majority may present even more of a challenge for Penn’s legal team. We’ll see if Spicoli can get himself out of this one. Stay tuned.


RELATED ARTICLES

Redux: The PRO Act is Back in Congress

March 15, 2023 | Labor Relations, Federal Laws and Legislation, National Labor Relations Board

On the Hunt: NLRB’s Top Lawyer Seeks Out Cases to Upend Precedent

March 6, 2023 | Labor Relations, National Labor Relations Board

Labor Law Recap: 2022 Was The ‘Year of the Strike’

January 10, 2023 | Labor Relations, Strikes and Picketing

Labor Law Changes To Be Aware Of In The New Year

January 3, 2023 | Labor Relations, National Labor Relations Board

Prices Keep Rising: Labor Board Significantly Expands Remedies Available To Employees

December 14, 2022 | Labor Relations, National Labor Relations Board

Subscribe

Do you want to receive more valuable insights directly in your inbox? Visit our subscription center and let us know what you're interested in learning more about.

View Subscription Center
RELATED TOPICS
Labor Law
Labor Law Violations
NLRB
Trending Connect
We use cookies on this site to enhance your user experience. By clicking any link on this page you are giving your consent for us to use cookies.