Us Congress Senate Bill SB991

Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/28/23
• Refer: 3/28/23

Caption

National Labor Relations Board Reform Act

Impact

The bill's impact on state laws will be significant, as it seeks to streamline the NLRB’s functions, particularly in areas of worker rights and union representation. By reforming the composition of the NLRB and reforming the review process for appeals, SB991 aims to increase efficiency in resolving disputes regarding unfair labor practices. Additionally, it introduces provisions that allow for expedited judicial review of complaints issued by the General Counsel, possibly reducing the timeline for resolving labor disputes and decreasing uncertainty for affected parties.

Summary

SB991, known as the National Labor Relations Board Reform Act, aims to amend the National Labor Relations Act to reform the governance structure of the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), specifically by increasing its membership from five to six members. The reform mandates that three members represent each of the two major political parties, thereby introducing a more bipartisan approach to the Board's decision-making process. This change is intended to address criticisms that the NLRB has been biased in favor of labor or management as reflected in political affiliations, promoting balanced representation.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding SB991 include concerns raised by labor unions and advocacy groups who argue that the reforms may undermine worker protections by streamlining processes too aggressively. Critics fear that prioritizing efficiency over thoroughness could lead to weaker enforcement of labor rights and discourage union organizing. Supporters, however, counter that these reforms are necessary to create a more reliable and balanced framework for labor relations, which would ultimately benefit workers by ensuring that disputes are handled more swiftly and fairly.