What's Happening?
On December 18, 2025, the U.S. Senate confirmed the appointments of Scott Mayer, James Murphy, and Crystal Carey to the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). This confirmation restores a three-member quorum to the Board, allowing it to resume issuing
decisions. The appointments follow the unprecedented firing of Member Gwynne Wilcox, which left the Board without a quorum for nearly a year. President Trump nominated Carey, Mayer, and Murphy earlier in 2025, with Carey’s nomination initially delayed due to a lack of support from some Republican members of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee. Mayer and Murphy bring extensive labor-relations experience, with Mayer having served as Chief Labor Counsel at Boeing and Murphy having a long tenure at the NLRB. The Board now consists of two Republican-appointed members and one Democrat-appointed member, David Prouty.
Why It's Important?
The confirmation of these appointments is significant as it allows the NLRB to resume its decision-making processes, which had been stalled due to the lack of a quorum. This development is particularly impactful for employers and labor organizations, as the Board is expected to revisit and potentially overturn several decisions made during the Biden administration that were perceived as union-friendly. With a Republican-appointed majority, the Board's future decisions may lean towards employer interests. Additionally, General Counsel Crystal Carey is expected to issue memos outlining her prosecutorial goals, which could influence the Board's agenda and priorities. The restored quorum also means that pending cases and labor disputes can now be addressed, providing clarity and direction for stakeholders involved.
What's Next?
With the NLRB's quorum restored, employers and labor organizations should prepare for a series of decisions that may alter the current labor landscape. The Board is likely to prioritize cases that have been on hold and may issue rulings that reflect a shift in labor policy. Stakeholders should also anticipate guidance from General Counsel Carey, which will provide insights into the Board's prosecutorial focus. The ongoing litigation regarding the firing of Member Wilcox could further impact the Board's composition if she is reinstated, potentially leading to a more balanced representation of political appointments. As Member Prouty's term expires in 2026, future appointments will also play a crucial role in shaping the Board's direction.
