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On Wednesday, December 11, 2024, the U.S. Senate rejected the confirmations of two nominees to the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) by voting 50 to 49 against current Chair Lauren McFerran and canceling the vote scheduled for Josh Ditelberg. This rejection has significant implications for the functioning and balance of the NLRB, which oversees critical issues related to labor disputes, union elections, and workers’ rights.
Click here to see how your U.S. Senators voted.
Immediate Impact:
- As of December 16, 2024, there will be two vacancies on the five-person Board. Historically, the NLRB avoids significant case decisions when operating with only three Members.
- These vacancies hamper the Board’s ability to oversee union elections and make decisions on conflicts related to organizing and collective bargaining, such as when an employer engages in illegal tactics during a strike or during negotiations.
Upcoming Challenges:
- Our nation faces the possibility of an extremely anti-worker and inactive NLRB. USW members should be prepared for the following:
- Recent decisions could be reversed, such as the banning of captive audience meetings; the expansion of remedies for workers illegally fired; the reduction of delays in union elections to counter employer stalling tactics; and so much more.
- Trust for the Board could be undermined. The ability for workers to collectively bargain could be weakened, and an environment where worker protections are effectively sidelined could be created.
Next Steps:
• Continue to engage in Rapid Response to learn and take actions on worker related policy decisions – good or bad!
• Build relationships with your union siblings to talk about policies impacting workers and our right to collectively bargain.