N.G.A. Blasts NLRB Recess Appointments

The National Grocers Association (N.G.A.) spoke out strongly against President Obama’s recess appointments of Richard Griffin, Sharon Block and Terence Flynn to the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). All three have what the Arlington, Va.-based trade group described as “decidedly pro-labor backgrounds,” which would make them “the types of nominees likely to continue to advance the NLRB’s aggressive pro-unionization agenda.”

“N.G.A. is very concerned that the president’s recess appointments will result in even more politicizing of the NRLB and further erode its credibility and independence, noted the organization's president and CEO, Peter Larkin. “By further tilting union-organizing regulations in favor of unions and to the disadvantage of the rights of employees and employers, it makes it more difficult for independent businesses to succeed and create jobs. During these difficult economic times, it is extremely important that NLRB members understand these issues and work to promote policies that help stimulate job creation and economic growth rather than policies that have the opposite effect.”

Although the U.S. Constitution stipulates that senior federal officers must be confirmed by the Senate before taking office, while that legislative body is in recess, the president can act alone by making what is called a recess appointment. As the Senate was holding pro forma sessions during the period when President Obama made the appointments, their legality has been a matter of contention.