The commonplace employer practice of asking employees to refrain from discussing internal investigations with co-workers has come under attack from the National Labor Relations Board.  In Banner Health Sys. d/b/a Banner Estrella Med., Ctr., 358 N.L.R.B. No. 93, 7/30/12, the National Labor Relations Board (“NLRB”) held in a 2 to 1 decision that employees’ rights under the National Labor Relations Act to engage in protected concerted activity outweighed an employer’s interest in safeguarding internal investigations.  According to the NLRB, suggestions from human resources personnel to employees to refrain from discussing internal complaints with co-workers thus constitute violations of Section 8(a)(1) of the Act.  The NLRB found fault with employers’ “blanket approach” in prohibiting discussion. This decision seems to leave open the possibility that an employer may instruct an employee to refrain from such discussion under specific circumstances, but the NLRB did not define those circumstances.  To avoid similar Board action, employers should consult with employment counsel about tailoring procedures for internal investigations and interviews.

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Photo of Ana C. Shields Ana C. Shields

Ana Shields is a Principal in the Long Island, New York, office of Jackson Lewis P.C. Since joining Jackson Lewis in June 2005, she has practiced exclusively in employment law and has been involved in proceedings before federal and state courts, the American…

Ana Shields is a Principal in the Long Island, New York, office of Jackson Lewis P.C. Since joining Jackson Lewis in June 2005, she has practiced exclusively in employment law and has been involved in proceedings before federal and state courts, the American Arbitration Association and administrative agencies.

Ms. Shields has successfully prepared pleadings, motions, memoranda of law, position statements and legal opinions related to employment law issues such as employment discrimination, harassment, retaliation, whistle-blowing claims and restrictive covenants. Ms. Shields has advised clients on compliance with various state and federal laws affecting the workplace, including Title VII, the Equal Pay Act, Fair Labor Standards Act, Family and Medical Leave Act, Americans with Disabilities Act, Age Discrimination in Employment Act and New York State and City laws. In addition, she is a firm resource for Electronic Discovery. She has worked closely with clients through all phases of litigation including investigations, preparations for depositions, attending depositions and trials.

While attending law school, Ms. Shields was a published member of the New York International Law Review. She was the recipient of the 2003 American Bar Association/Bureau of National Affairs Award for Excellence in Labor and Employment Law. She was also awarded the CALI Award for Excellence in Employment Law, Advanced Labor Law, and Jurisprudence.

Prior to joining the firm, Ms. Shields was a commercial litigation associate at a firm in Long Island, New York.