In September, President Trump nominated management-side labor and employment lawyer Peter Robb to replace Richard Griffin, whose term expired on November 4, 2017, as general counsel to the National Labor Relations Board. Yesterday, the United States Senate confirmed Robb’s appointment to the position.
As general counsel, Robb will play an important role at the NLRB. He is now responsible for overseeing the Board’s regional offices and legal staff nationwide. He also has broad discretion to investigate and prosecute unfair labor practice cases that are filed with the Board.
Robb’s confirmation solidifies Republican control of the Board, which already consisted of three Republican and two Democrat Members. With Robb’s confirmation complete, many expect the Board to reverse significant pro-labor decisions rendered during the Obama-era. It should be noted, however, that Republican Board Member and Acting Chairman Philip Miscimarra’s term ends on December 16, 2017, leaving another vacancy for President Trump to fill.
As always, we will keep an eye on developments at the National Labor Relations Board, reporting significant decisions and events here on our blog.