Region 2–Manhattan Secures Settlement Requiring Spa to Reinstate Two Discharged Workers, Read & Post Notice in English & Chinese in the Workplace and on WeChat, and Hold NLRB Training for Managers and Supervisors

On November 28, 2023, the Regional Director of Region 2–Manhattan approved a settlement agreement involving Liangtse Wellness One, LLC, a spa that furnishes natural healthcare and massage services in midtown Manhattan. The settlement resolved an unfair labor practice charge, filed by Flushing Workers Center, alleging unlawful instructions, threats, and the firing of two employees for raising concerns about work assignments. The Region had determined that the unfair labor practice charge was meritorious, issued a complaint, and was scheduled to commence trial on the date the settlement was approved.

In the settlement agreement, Liangtse Wellness One, LLC agreed to immediate reinstatement of both employees, payment of lost wages and benefits, and the reading, posting and electronic distribution of the NLRB Notice to Employees regarding employee rights to employees in English and Mandarin Chinese, as well as posted on WeChat, a popular Chinese instant messaging platform. Liangtse Wellness One, LLC also agreed to have its managers and supervisors attend a training conducted by the NLRB about employee rights under National Labor Relations Act.

“I applaud the great work of Region 2 staff’s investigating the case and obtaining this excellent settlement,” said NLRB Region 2 Regional Director John D. Doyle, Jr. “I also commend Liangtse Wellness One, LLC for entering into a settlement agreement that will remedy the violations without the need for litigation, returning the two employees to work, advising employees of their rights under the National Labor Relations Act, and proactively obtaining Agency training for its managers and supervisors so as to avoid future violations.”

Established in 1935, the National Labor Relations Board is an independent federal agency that protects employees, employers, and unions from unfair labor practices and protects the right of private sector employees to join together, with or without a union, to improve wages, benefits and working conditions. The NLRB conducts hundreds of workplace elections and investigates thousands of unfair labor practice charges each year. Region 2 serves areas in New York from its Regional Office in New York City.