Statement by Edward J. McElroy,
President, American Federation of Teachers,
On Authority of Two-Member NLRB

NOTE:  The National Labor Relations Board, down from five to two members because of term expirations, has delegated decision-making authority to the two remaining members (one Democrat and one Republican) plus a Republican recess appointee whose term expires when the Senate finally adjourns its 2007 session. Further, the board gave the general counsel, also a Republican, temporary authority on all court litigation matters that otherwise would require board authorization.

WASHINGTON, D.C.—What’s happening at the NLRB exemplifies the Bush administration’s abdication of basic fairness when dealing with workers’ democratic right to union representation. Since 2000, the NLRB has had ample time to restrict the rights of workers, while the White House hasn’t had the time or inclination to nominate qualified individuals to replace those whose terms are expiring. We look forward to the November presidential election, when the nation will have a chance to vote for a candidate who understands the importance of a well-functioning National Labor Relations Board to working Americans.

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