Walz Votes to Protect Middle Class, Enforce Labor Laws

Opposes Attempt to Shut Down National Labor Relations Board

Washington, DC – Today, Rep. Tim Walz stood up for middle class families in southern Minnesota by opposing a measure that would effectively shut down the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) charged with resolving differences between business and labor.

“We must work together to grow our economy, create opportunity and good-paying jobs, and expand the middle class. Unfortunately, this bill brought forward by the majority works to do exactly the opposite,” said Walz. “By shuttering the NLRB, this bill would halt the enforcement of labor laws, stop union elections, and promote strikes—adding more unnecessary uncertainty for employers and employees alike.”

Under the bill (H.R. 1120), the NLRB would not be permitted to issue any new decisions, enforce existing decisions, or advance any rulemaking in preventing and remedying unfair labor practices or defending the right of employees to join a union and bargain collectively with their employers. 

“As the greatest country on earth, we set the example for the rest of the world to follow,” added Walz. “We must always stand up for good and fair labor practices and workers’ rights. This unnecessary step will hurt U.S. competitiveness, middle and working class families, and our economy as a whole, which is why I opposed it this afternoon.”

###