Andrew Strom, a union lawyer, OnLabor contributor and adjunct professor at Brooklyn Law School, joined America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss Gwynne Wilcox's recent firing from the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), the potential dismantling of the Board and the broader implications for labor rights in the U.S.
Strom highlighted the controversial firing of Gwynne Wilcox, the first Black woman to serve on the NLRB, by the Trump administration. He said this action was not only unprecedented but also illegal, as it violated the statutory protections that prevent board members from being removed without cause. This move has raised concerns about the administration's intentions to undermine the board's functionality and set a dangerous precedent for future labor relations, said Strom.
The discussion then shifted to the potential dismantling of the NLRB. Strom expressed concern over the administration's apparent strategy to render the board ineffective by leaving it without a quorum. This tactic effectively halts the board's ability to decide cases, creates a backlog and paralyzes its operations. Strom warned that this could lead to a significant erosion of workers' rights, as the NLRB plays a crucial role in enforcing labor laws and protecting employees from unfair practices.
Finally, Strom addressed the broader implications of these actions on labor rights in the U.S. He emphasized that the current administration's disregard for established legal precedence threatens the stability of the labor law system. According to Strom, by challenging these long-standing precedents and attempting to weaken the NLRB, the administration risks creating chaos and uncertainty for workers and employers.
Listen to the full episode to hear more from Strom on these pressing labor law issues.