Workforce Bulletin

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, by the full court, has ordered that the stay of National Labor Relations Board (“NLRB” or “Board”) Member Gwynne Wilcox’s reinstatement to her seat on the Board be dissolved and that Wilcox, for the second time, be returned to her seat. This action by the D.C. Circuit means that the NLRB once again has three members and a “quorum,” as that term is defined in the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA).

Back and Forth and Back Again

As we previously reported, on February 3, President Trump fired Wilcox from her seat on the Board, leaving only two of the Board’s five seats filled and stripping the NLRB of the quorum required by the NLRA for the Board to issue decisions, make rules, and fulfill other statutory duties.

As expected, the Trump administration has shifted the National Labor Relations Board (“NLRB”) into a new era marked by notable changes that will reshape the Board. The first and most significant of these changes is the termination of Board Member Gwynne Wilcox. The second is the termination of General Counsel Jennifer Abruzzo. The removal of Wilcox leaves the NLRB down to two Members, a Democrat and a Republican, and without a quorum for decision making and other actions until the President fills at least one of the three current vacancies. These changes raise many questions as to what is in store for the NLRB and its ability to perform its main functions.

As discussed further below, employers should consider the impact of these decisions on pending cases before the Board, consider asserting affirmative and procedural defenses early and often, and stay aware of rapidly developing changes expected to take effect over the coming months.