Think a Wilma Liebman-led National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) will not change election and negotiation policy once the rest of Democratic nominees are confirmed? Take a look at what the newly appointed National Mediation Board (NMB) did as soon as they were confirmed. The NMB, which oversees Railroads and Airlines labor relations, changed a near-80-year-old voting procedure last week, setting a stage for the NLRB to change any rule that will help unions gain membership. One of the Board nominees, the highly controversial Craig Becker who is the former Chief Consul for the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), was placed on hold by Senator John McCain. However, it is possible that President Obama will make a recess appointment which will put Becker on the board until 2010 without a hearing. Damage done – ambush elections & increased penalties are certainly within the Board’s perceived jurisdiction. I would not be surprised if they attempt to implement the Employee Free Choice Act without it even passing Congress.
