Washington, D.C. – December 11, 2024 – Today, North America’s Building Trades Unions (NABTU) President Sean McGarvey issued the following statement:

“Following the election, a debate continues as to who is on the side of workers. Today’s Senate vote blocking the nomination of Lauren McFerran to keep serving on the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) is an unfortunate reminder that this debate will persist.”

“The NLRB is an independent government agency whose mission is to protect all workers, including the right to organize and engage in collective bargaining and to ensure fair, safe, and equitable workplaces. Confirming Chair McFerran would have fully staffed this critical agency, empowering it to continue its vital role as an impartial arbiter of workers’ rights.”

“We are disappointed that Republican Senators voted against this qualified candidate, and we are especially disappointed in Sens. Kyrsten Sinema and Joe Manchin, who, as one of their final acts in Congress, have sought to monetize this vote for their own personal financial future at the expense of their hardworking constituents who elected them to fight on their behalf.”

“While today’s vote is deeply disheartening, NABTU applauds the leadership of Senator Schumer and the 49 Senators who voted to support McFerran’s nomination. Working people deserve better, and we will continue to fight for a government that works for the rights and needs of the American worker.”

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