WASHINGTON, DC - The National Lumber and Building Material Dealers Association (NLBMDA) applauds the decision yesterday by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia (D.C.) Circuit delaying the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) union poster rule. The rule would have required private employers to post an 11-by-17 inch notice regarding employee rights to unionize under the National Labor Relations Act. It was set to take effect on April 30 but will now be postponed until the appeal is decided.

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit decision follows the ruling issued last week by the U.S. District Court for South Carolina, stating that the NLRB does not have the statutory authority to require business owners to post this notice. In a March ruling at odds with the decision in South Carolina, the District Court for D.C. found the NLRB rule acceptable, but limited how the agency could enforce it.

"This ruling is a big win for NLBMDA members and we are pleased the courts recognized the Administration exceeded its authority regarding the union poster rule," said Michael O'Brien, President & CEO of NLBMDA. "I hope the decision by the D.C. Circuit will help the NLRB strike a better balance between the rights of employers and unions."

The National Lumber and Building Material Dealers Association (NLBMDA) represents its members in the national public policy arena, with emphasis on efforts to 1) promote the industry and educate legislators and public policy personnel; and 2) assist legislative, regulatory, standard-setting and other government or private bodies in the development of laws, regulations and policies affecting lumber and building material dealers, its customers and suppliers. Founded in 1917, the association has over 6,000 members operating single or multiple lumber yards and component plants serving homebuilders, subcontractors, general contractors, and consumers in the new construction, repair and remodeling of residential and light commercial.