The U.S. Senate is preparing for a confirmation vote next week that will likely restore a critical three-member quorum to the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). This quorum has been absent since January 2025, leaving the Board unable to issue rulings on labor disputes and complaints. If confirmed, the new members will help the NLRB address its growing case backlog by the end of the year.
For the first time in nearly a year, the NLRB is poised to regain its operational capacity. The nominee package includes Scott Mayer, a chief corporate labor counsel, who was added at the last minute alongside nominees James Murphy and Crystal Carey. The Senate’s vote on these appointments will determine the Board’s ability to resume its essential functions, including resolving labor disputes that impact workers across the nation.
Should the Senate confirm all three nominees, Crystal Carey would serve a four-year term, while Scott Mayer and James Murphy would have terms expiring on December 16, 2029, and December 16, 2027, respectively. This confirmation is critical as the NLRB has faced significant challenges in fulfilling its mandate without a quorum, which is necessary for the Board to conduct official business and render decisions.
The NLRB plays a vital role in the American labor landscape by overseeing union elections and adjudicating disputes between employers and employees. The absence of a quorum has hindered its ability to manage an increasing volume of cases, which has significant implications for workers’ rights and labor relations in the United States.
As the Senate prepares for this crucial vote, stakeholders in labor relations are hopeful that the restoration of the Board’s quorum will lead to a more efficient resolution of outstanding cases and a renewed focus on protecting workers’ rights. The confirmation of these nominees could mark a turning point for the NLRB, enabling it to fulfill its mission and support fair labor practices across the country.
