On January 7, 2026, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) regained its full operational capacity with the confirmation of key nominees. This marks the first time in nearly a year that the Board has a quorum and a Senate-confirmed General Counsel. Crystal Carey was sworn in as the General Counsel, while Scott Mayer and James Murphy were appointed as Board Members. Their confirmation is expected to enable the NLRB to promptly address its significant case backlog.
Restoring Functionality to the NLRB
The confirmation vote held by the U.S. Senate restored the necessary three-member quorum to the NLRB, which had been without a quorum since January 2025. The absence of a quorum meant that the Board was unable to issue rulings or resolve disputes effectively. With the confirmation of Carey, Mayer, and Murphy, the NLRB can now begin working towards reducing the backlog of cases that has accumulated over the past year.
The Senate’s approval of this nominee package included Scott Mayer, who serves as chief corporate labor counsel, and was added to the package shortly before the vote. James Murphy, another nominee, will also take up a position on the Board. Crystal Carey’s term as General Counsel is set to last four years, while Mayer and Murphy’s terms will expire on December 16, 2029, and December 16, 2027, respectively.
Implications for Labor Relations
The restoration of the NLRB’s quorum is significant for labor relations across the United States. The Board’s ability to issue decisions will provide clarity and resolution in labor disputes, which can have far-reaching effects on workers and employers alike. The backlog of cases had been growing, leading to uncertainty in labor markets and impacting employee rights.
According to the U.S. Senate’s official records, the confirmation of these nominees was critical to reestablishing the Board’s functionality. The NLRB’s operations are essential in maintaining fair labor practices and ensuring that both employees and employers are held accountable under labor laws.
As the NLRB moves forward, stakeholders in labor relations will be closely monitoring how the new members will address the backlog and the decisions they will make regarding ongoing labor issues. The swift action by the Senate to confirm these nominees reflects an understanding of the importance of the NLRB in promoting balanced labor relations.
