DEMS/GOP/LABOR/NOMINATIONS/POLITICS: “Five months into President Donald Trump’s administration, the federal agency that referees disputes between unions and business is still controlled by Democrats, complicating the White House’s effort to roll back government oversight of the labor market.
National Labor Relations Board decisions during President Barack Obama’s tenure resulted in some big victories for labor, including an easier path for employees at franchise businesses and contractors to join unions. The board’s position in the months ahead will shape how far these efforts go, with big implications for chains like McDonald’s and others.
With two of the board’s five seats vacant since August 2016, Mr. Trump has an opportunity to flip the board controlled by two Democrats into Republicans’ favor. The president may make nominations as soon as this week as part of a focus on labor policy, but Senate confirmation might not occur until well into the fall.
Mr. Trump has elevated the sole Republican, Philip Miscimarra, to chairman. That move slowed issuance of agency decisions, since he can control which cases are decided but lacks the votes to win rulings.”
-Eric Morath, “On Labor, Trump Remains Outmanned by Democrats,” The Wall Street Journal online, June 14, 2017 09:03am