Opinion ID: 442901
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Observer's Badge

Text: 11 It is undisputed that the Union observer did not remove his observer badge during his brief absences from the polling place. Cassidy argues that such conduct is in violation of the NLRB's Casehandling Manual, and gave the Union an unfair advantage in the election by raising the observer's status to that of an official of the United States Government, thus granting him and the Union added stature and credibility. Appellant's Brief at 10. 12 Cassidy does not suggest how some employees might have been led to believe that the observer, a fellow employee, was given the imprimatur of the federal government because he was wearing an observer badge. This is especially so in light of the fact that the employer's observer also wore such a badge, as the employees could readily note when they entered the polling place to vote. Cassidy primarily relies on the fact that the Board's Case-handling Manual states: 13 Observers are not to be permitted to wear observer badges when they are not acting as observers. 14 The Manual also recognizes that there may be departures from the procedures outlined therein in varying circumstances. Cassidy introduced no evidence supporting its allegation that employees were misled by this deviation from the Manual. The Regional Director's conclusion that no prejudice resulted is supported by substantial evidence.