Amazon, SpaceX, and Trader Joe’s have each been charged by the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) for workplace violations, and union-busting efforts. In response to violations found by the NLRB, SpaceX alleges that the agency is unconstitutional, claiming that the board operates under a structure that doesn’t demonstrate a clear separation of executive, legislative and judicial powers, that the NLRB doesn’t hold trials by jury, and fails to implement due process. Both Amazon and Trader Joe’s have jumped on the bandwagon to challenge the constitutionality of the NLRB.
What is the National Labor Relations Board?
NLRB is an independent federal regulatory agency that investigates workplace violations and enforces labor law under the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA). The few worker protections that exist hinge on the NLRA. The agency is vital to organized labor, but more so, protects workers as a collective—both nonunion and union.
Attempting to litigate the agency for workplace rights enforcement, seems like an overarching effort to debunk the numerous NLRB charges filed against these companies, each embroiled in cases in which they were accused of wrongful termination, worker safety hazards, and union-busting.
Why does this matter to WSRCC members?
Challenging and making a concerted effort to upend the NLRB is not something to take lightly. If the Supreme Court rules in favor of SpaceX, it will reverse a multitude of worker rights, including union protections, and speculatively, demonstrates that wealthy corporations can buy their way around accountability.
As Union members, it’s important to be aware of any threat against worker protections. Worker’s rights and livelihoods should not be manipulated by the hands of corrupt corporate greed.