Democrats Demand Answers Regarding Secret NLRB Plan to Undermine Enforcement of Workers’ Rights
WASHINGTON – In letters to National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) Chairman John Ring and General Counsel Peter Robb, Democratic leaders demanded answers regarding an undisclosed plan to restructure the NLRB in a way that will “undermine the NLRB’s ability to fairly and effectively protect workers’ rights under the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA).”
The letters were sent by Chairman Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (D-VA), House Committee on Education and Labor, Ranking Member Patty Murray (D-WA), Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions, and Chair Rosa DeLauro (D-CT), House Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies, Committee on Appropriations.
In the letter, the Members note that the NLRB’s undisclosed plan to reorganize seven Regional Offices would shift the expertise and authority away from the Regional Directors, who are uniquely tasked with investigating and litigating unfair labor practices in the Regions where they serve. The Members express concern that the reorganization will cause the demotion of half of the Regional Directors of color and four women—further exacerbating existing underrepresentation among the NLRB’s Regional Directors. Additionally, the NLRB’s plan has not been offered for public comment and the agency has not disclosed the planned changes to Congress, despite assurances that the NLRB would do so.
“The NLRB functions best when the public, the agency’s stakeholders, and Congress are apprised of the agency’s operations and of any planned changes to them,” the Members wrote in the letter to General Counsel Robb. “We therefore request that the NLRB suspend the current reorganization plan until the agency provides full transparency to Congress and the public, including a public notice and comment period, and the General Counsel abides by the NLRB’s delegation of authority and assigned responsibilities.”
The Members request further information and briefings on the NLRB’s restructuring proposal before the plan is implemented.
To read the full text of the letter to Chairman Ring, click here.
To read the full text of the letter to General Counsel Robb, click here.
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