Labor and Employment Law Program Hosts New NLRB Chairman, Lauren McFerran

The Labor and Employment Law Program recently held a webinar, “A Conversation with NLRB Chairman Lauren McFerran,” on Wednesday, February 24th. Respondents were former NLRB Chairman Philip A. Miscimarra, Partner at Morgan Lewis & Bockius LLP, who represents management, and Alyson Belovin, Partner at Levy Ratner PC, who represents unions.

Over 140 people heard Chairman McFerran discuss her concerns about the state of the NLRB at the end of the Trump Administration and the erosion of worker rights under the previous Board.  She stated her disagreement with a number of their decisions, while Mr. Miscimarra defended many of the actions as meeting the needs of employers to conduct business.

Chairman McFerran did agree with the previous Board’s use of rulemaking to make decisions, in spite of disagreeing with many of the rules, giving the impression that she will continue with this practice.  She also expressed concern about the reductions and the devaluing of the NLRB’s staff and regional offices, saying that she hopes to increase staffing and emphasize their importance to the Board and the labor law community, something with which Mr. Miscimarra agreed.

The event was picked up by Bloomberg Law. To read the article, click here.