When the National Labor Relations Board is at full strength, it has five members. Now it’s down to just two. With Senate Democrats blocking White House appointments, those open slots won’t be filled soon. One result, says David Parker, NLRB deputy executive secretary, is that “a two-member board will not issue major cases.” The delay will affect several construction cases.
NLRB departures began on Dec. 16, when Chairman Robert J. Battista’s term expired. Members Peter N. Kirsanow (R) and Dennis P. Walsh (D) were serving since early 2006 on recess appointments, but those expired Dec. 31. Remaining members are Democrat Wilma B. Liebman and Republican Peter C. Schaumber.