Washington, D.C. – The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), the independent agency responsible for enforcing U.S. labour laws, has been rendered inoperative following President Donald Trump’s firing of a board member, leaving it without the necessary quorum to function.

According to CNN’s Chris Isidore, Trump’s move effectively shuts down the agency, which plays a crucial role in overseeing union elections and investigating unfair labour practices, such as the dismissal of workers for union support. With two board seats already vacant due to expired terms, the removal of a third member means the NLRB can no longer hold votes, further limiting its ability to enforce labour laws.

A Win for Employers, a Blow to Labour Rights

Labour experts argue that this decision is a significant victory for employers, as it weakens protections for workers seeking union representation. Cathy Creighton, a former NLRB attorney under the Clinton administration and director at Cornell University’s School of Industrial and Labour Relations, told CNN:

“This is great for employers — they have a nonfunctioning NLRB.”

Established 90 years ago, the NLRB was instrumental in the rise of private-sector unions in the mid-20th century. However, in recent decades, its authority has been eroded by conservative courts and lawmakers favouring business interests.

Musk’s Influence and Political Implications

CNN reports that Trump’s decision has drawn criticism from labour advocates, who argue that it may have been influenced by billionaire Elon Musk, a key Trump ally. Critics point out that this was not a tactic Trump used during his first term, suggesting external influence in the move to weaken the agency.

Adam Shah, director of national policy at Jobs With Justice, a labour rights organisation, suggested Musk could be behind the effort to dismantle the board:

“The NLRB has got to be right at the top of his list for what agency Musk wants to destroy.”

With the NLRB now unable to function, labour rights groups fear that workers will face increased vulnerability to anti-union tactics and unfair dismissals, further weakening organised labour in the U.S.