US Supreme Court Ruling Curbing Agency Powers Could Hobble Labor Board
The U.S. Supreme Court's recent ruling abolishing "Chevron deference" could significantly curtail the National Labor Relations Board's (NLRB) power to enforce labor laws. This 6-3 decision removes the requirement for courts to defer to federal agencies' interpretations of ambiguous laws, shifting the authority to interpret such laws to the courts.
Experts suggest this change will lead to more frequent overturning of NLRB decisions, complicating the board's ability to adapt labor laws to new workplace conditions. Critics argue this will hinder the NLRB's effectiveness in protecting workers' rights, while supporters believe it will prevent drastic policy shifts with changes in the board's political makeup.
The ruling could embolden federal judges to challenge NLRB decisions, disrupting the board's historically high success rate in appeals and altering the enforcement of labor laws in the U.S.
See "US Supreme Court Ruling Curbing Agency Powers Could Hobble Labor Board", Thomson Reuters, U.S. News & World Report, June 28, 2024