Labor watchdog agency could gain all-GOP board in December

The National Labor Relations Board, the main labor law enforcement agency, is on track to be completely controlled by Republicans in December. The five-seat board currently only has four members, and the term for its lone Democrat, Lauren McFerran, expires on Dec. 1.

While the situation would be unprecedented, a three-Republican board would still be able to function and rule on cases involving disputes between businesses and unions, if necessary. The board issued rulings in 327 cases last year involving unfair labor practices, disputed elections, and other union-management disputes.