DOL, NLRB inch closer to new leadership, full board

Keith Sonderling, the Secretary-Designate of Labor, had his hearing before the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee on July 16. The proceeding went along expected lines. Sonderling, widely regarded as an experienced and steadying hand at a department that has had its share of flux, received a largely positive response. Democratic Senators recounted their objections to a variety of Trump administration initiatives, many of which are to be effectuated by the DOL. Artificial intelligence in the workplace and protections for religious beliefs were among the prominent issues raised by Republican Senators. Although his confirmation is all but certain, many see a difficult road ahead, as his ambitious agenda must be accomplished with a sharply reduced budget (25% as proposed). In the past, Democratic members of Congress have blocked such cuts to preserve valued programs, but they might not do so for this administration. 

NLRB nears a full board 

After years of litigation regarding board members’ independence and years with a reduced membership, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) is nearing a return to a five-member Board. A Republican majority got closer to being installed and gaining the ability to alter precedents after a Senate panel approved James Macy’s nomination to be the third Republican Board member. Macy, director of the DOL’s Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs, cleared the Senate HELP Committee on a party-line vote, setting him up for a confirmation vote before the full Senate.