Preventing Greater Uncertainty in Labor-Management Relations Act

Floor Speech

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Mr. LANGEVIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposition to H.R. 1120, the ironically and unfortunately-named ``Preventing Greater Uncertainty in Labor-Management Relations Act.'' The National Labor Relations Board is a crucial federal agency, mediating disputes between workers and employers, upholding labor laws, and ensuring the integrity of union elections. This bill would undermine the NLRB's authority and lead to an unstable labor-management relationship for the foreseeable future.

Under H.R. 1120, countless labor cases would go unheard, decisions would be unenforceable, violations of workers' rights would go unpunished, and union elections could not be certified. All current unfair labor practice proceedings in the country could be brought to a standstill. Instead of removing uncertainty, this bill would in fact do just the opposite.

Not only would this bill hamstring the NLRB in fulfilling its duties, but it increases the chances of labor strikes. Without a functioning board, wronged workers would have nowhere to turn for the enforcement of their rights under the law. There would be no one to enforce reinstatement orders for workers who were wrongfully terminated, and businesses would lose a forum to address disputes. Without the guarantee of the NLRB's protections, workers will be more likely to strike to seek redress of grievances.

We are told this bill is necessary to enforce the decision in Noel Canning v. NLRB, which invalidated recent recess appointments to the Board. This partisan decision, which runs contrary to mountains of legal precedent, has already been appealed to the Supreme Court. I recall that we opened this Congress with a reading of the Constitution. I hope my colleagues have taken to heart the Separation of Powers enshrined therein, and will allow the judicial branch to work through this issue. Should the ultimate decision run contrary to the will of the House, I have no doubt we will be able to revisit the topic then.

If my colleagues across the aisle are truly interested in ensuring the integrity of the NLRB, they should urge their Senate colleagues to stop holding up these nominations and allow them an up or down vote.

I urge a ``no'' vote on this bill.

BREAK IN TRANCRIPT

Source