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John,
The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) is at a crucial juncture.
Ever since it was created in 1935, and its constitutionality confirmed by the Supreme Court in 1937, the NLRB has played a crucial role in protecting workers’ rights and holding employers accountable.
The Board enforces the National Labor Relations Act and protects employees’ rights to organize and bargain collectively. It also addresses unfair labor practices, conducts union elections, and investigates allegations. In short, it is the single most powerful voice representing workers’ rights in the federal government.
As the voice of workers, the NLRB must maintain a pro-worker majority if it is to be effective in carrying out its mission. But now, pro-worker Chairwoman Lauren McFerran’s term expires on December 16th, and although she has been renominated, she has still not been confirmed by the full Senate.
Why is it important the Senate confirm McFerran immediately?
If she is confirmed, Chair McFerran will lock in a pro-worker majority on the Board until 2026. But if she is not, Trump will gain control of two Board seats, shifting the balance to a conservative majority. In other words, the NLRB could become for all intents and purposes the National Anti-Labor Relations Board.
Send a direct message to your senators today, urging them to protect workers’ rights and confirm Lauren McFerran now.
It’s even more important to have strong worker representation on the NLRB now, as its constitutionality is coming under direct attack for the first time since 1937.
New lawsuits from the companies of anti-worker billionaires Jeff Bezos (Amazon) and Elon Musk (SpaceX), as well as the heirs of the late billionaire brothers Theo and Karl Albrecht (Trader Joe's), are in court now, claiming the National Labor Relations Act is unconstitutional. No union could organize without it!
Now, with Trump about to take office, we must not give up control of the Board to the very same ideologies that are attacking its right to exist. Trump’s Project 2025 targets worker protections, even aiming to thwart OSHA's newly proposed life-saving heat standards. We cannot let Trump’s vision of a corporation-aligned NLRB stomp out the labor movement completely.
As we anticipate the Trump onslaught, what a relief it would be to know that NLRB Chair Lauren McFerran will lead a pro-worker Board for at least the next two years. We could anticipate future victories like the NLRB’s recent banning of “captive audience” meetings, where corporations force workers to sit through anti-union propaganda.
Tell the Senate: Stand with the workers. Lock in a pro-worker majority on the NLRB until 2026! Confirm Lauren McFerran immediately.
Thank you for placing such a high value on maintaining a pro-worker National Labor Relations Board.
Robert Reich
Inequality Media Civic Action
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