Summary

Changes to the National Labor Relations Act would let people named in an unfair labor practice complaint inspect evidence submitted in the complaint and would create a new criminal penalty for filing unfair labor practice charges in bad faith. The penalty would allow fines up to $5,000 for anyone who files a charge not in good faith or who repeatedly files frivolous charges that fail to meet required documentation or certification standards. No effective date or new funding is specified.

• Grants parties named in unfair labor practice complaints a right to inspect evidence presented in the complaint.
• Creates a new criminal penalty allowing fines up to $5,000 for filing ULP charges not in good faith or for repeated frivolous filings.
• Amends 29 U.S.C. 160(b) and 29 U.S.C. 162 to add the inspection right and the new penalty authority.
• Specifically covers filings that fail to meet documentation or certification requirements as potential frivolous charges.
• Does not include an effective date, appropriation, or new funding for the NLRB.
• Requires the NLRB or courts to develop standards to determine "not in good faith" and "pattern or practice."
• May deter frivolous or repetitive filings but could also chill legitimate complaints if standards are unclear.
• Raises potential constitutional and procedural questions about criminalizing certain administrative filings.