U.S. Chamber Expresses Serious Concern with Attempt to Rush Becker's Confirmation

WASHINGTON, D.C.—U.S. Chamber of Commerce Senior Vice President for Labor, Immigration, and Employee Benefits, Randel K. Johnson, released the following statement expressing serious concern with the apparent attempt to jam Craig Becker's nomination for the National Labor Relations Board through the Senate before Senator-elect Brown is seated.

"For the first time since 1993, the Chamber is taking the unusual step of opposing a nominee to the NLRB," Johnson said. "It would be an egregious mistake and would set a dangerous precedent for the Senate to push this nomination through during a lame-duck period. The NLRB has the ability to unduly increase union power and leverage it without intervention by Congress. Confirming Becker will tilt the balance in labor law dramatically in favor of union special interests."

The Chamber has cited concerns over Mr. Becker's prolific writings which suggest that his views on American labor law are far outside the mainstream and that his confirmation would disrupt years of established precedent and the delicate balance of law. In addition, we have serious concerns that Becker could try to do an end run around the legislative process by administratively imposing card check, as suggested by former NLRB Chairman Gould.

"While a hearing on Mr. Becker is very important, it is shameful that organized labor and their supporters in the Senate are trying to confirm the president's controversial nominee to the NLRB, Craig Becker, before Senator-elect Scott Brown is sworn in," said Johnson. "The Senate is leaving just enough time to jam Becker's nomination through before Senator-elect Brown comes to Washington."

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world's largest business federation representing the interests of more than 3 million businesses of all sizes, sectors, and regions, as well as state and local chambers and industry associations.

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