BLOOMINGDALE, Ill.—Bridgestone Retail Operations urged mindfulness in reviewing contractual relationships and managing the work force in the light of a sweeping new decision from the National Labor Relations Board.
In that Aug. 27 decision, made in a case involving Browning Ferris Industries and its subcontractor Leadpoint Business Services, the NLRB ruled 3-2 that nameplate companies and their franchisees or subcontractors are co-employers with their franchisees and subcontractors.
Franchisers and their associations have denounced the decision, saying it could force franchisers to exert more control over their franchisees or else abandon franchising altogether.
In its statement, Bridgestone said it supports and facilitates its product sales in the U.S. through a nationwide dealer network, as well as through more than 2,200 company-owned tire and auto service centers.
“Conducting business within these two distinct operational models, we are mindful of decisions like the one recently issued by the NLRB,” the company said.
“It serves as a reminder of the importance of reviewing and updating contractual relationships with our business partners as well as our own policies and procedures for managing our work force,” it said.