2023 Labor charges are up

In the first half of Fiscal Year 2023 (October 1 through March 31), the NLRB reports, unfair labor practice (ULP) charges filed in field offices across the country have increased by 16 percent, going from 8,275 to 9,592 charges. Union representation petitions also continue to increase. In total, 10,792 cases have been filed, up 14 percent over the same period in Fiscal Year 2022.

Continuing the trend. This increase in filings, the Board notes, continues last year’s caseload surge. In Fiscal Year 2022, the Board saw a 53 percent increase in union representation petitions from the prior year and a 19 percent increase in ULP charges. Accounting for both ULP and representation petitions, total case intake at its field offices increased 23 percent in Fiscal Year 2022, representing the largest single-year increase since Fiscal Year 1976 and the largest percentage increase since Fiscal Year 1959. If the pace continues, the announcement notes, FY 2023 would have the second-largest percentage increase in NLRB filings since FY 1959.

The increased case intake at Field Offices occurs as the Agency struggles with funding and staffing shortages. “I’m proud of NLRB Field and Headquarters staff for processing cases with professionalism and care, even as our caseload increases,” said NLRB General Counsel Jennifer Abruzzo. “The President’s Budget requests $376 million, which is much needed by the NLRB to effectively and efficiently comply with our Congressional mandate when providing quality service to the public in conducting hearings and elections, investigating charges, settling and litigating meritorious cases, and obtaining full and prompt remedies for workers whose rights are violated.”

Source: Written by Brandi O. Brown, J.D.

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