Funding for the National Labor Relations Board has been flat for almost a decade. Every year, GOP politicians refuse to negotiate on boosting funding for the agency. The NLRB oversees union elections and investigates Unfair Labor Practices charges. Because the NLRB has been starved of funding for almost a decade, the NLRB field staff has been cut in half since 2002.
This year, new union petitions increased by 58% compared to last year. Likewise, charges of Unfair Labor Practices increased by 18%. But the NLRB doesn't have the staff or funding to keep up with the demand.
Congress has until December 23 to pass an omnibus funding bill – and Congress must use this opportunity to increase the annual funding for the NLRB to $368 million.
This week, progressives in the House and union leaders came to the Hill to demand this increased funding be included in the omnibus, but Democratic leaders have to hold the line in budget negotiations.
Congress needs to hear from Americans to #FundTheNLRB. We have 8 days to go. Some more background and ways to take action here.