Statement from AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler on funding victories, including a $25 million budget increase for the NLRB and protection for pregnant workers:
Today Congress passed a spending package that will make a tremendous difference in the lives of working families across the country. This legislation includes the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act and the PUMP for Nursing Mothers Act, both of which will set clear standards requiring employers to engage with and provide reasonable accommodations to workers with pregnancy-related limitations and the need to pump while on the job. Workers should never have to choose between their health and a paycheck, and these overdue protections will give pregnant and postpartum workers the security to ask for what they need without the fear of retaliation.
Additionally, for the first time in nearly 10 years, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) will finally receive a desperately needed boost in funding. Across this country, workers are organizing within their workplaces with renewed vigor in the face of employers’ union-busting tactics and harassment. This critical funding will help ensure that the NLRB can do its job by protecting workers’ fundamental right to form or join a union.
In 2022, the NLRB’s caseload grew by 23%, the single largest increase in 46 years. It could not be clearer that this agency needs a boost in resources to match the demand.
There is no doubt that additional NLRB funding is necessary to address the significant rise in worker organizing and employers’ unfair labor practices. This $25 million increase will do much to alleviate the funding crisis—allowing the NLRB to avert staffing furloughs, hold union-busting corporations accountable and protect workers’ rights. We appreciate Congress’ decisive action and look forward to President Biden signing this increase in funding into law.
Contact: Steve Smith, 202-637-5018