Dear Senator:
On behalf of the 12.5 million members and 60 unions of the AFL-CIO, I strongly urge you to support the reconfirmation of Gwynne A. Wilcox to serve as a member of the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB or Board). Ms. Wilcox’s tenure on the Board has demonstrated her expertise, dedication, and commitment to the National Labor Relations Act and the vital work of the NLRB. Ms. Wilcox made history on July 28, 2021, when she was confirmed by the Senate, becoming the first Black woman to serve on the NLRB in the agency’s 85-year history.
Ms. Wilcox is an accomplished attorney with vast experience representing unions and workers. As a partner at Levy Ratner, P.C, Wilcox represented unions in arbitrations, contract negotiations, and before administrative agencies. She served as Associate General Counsel to 1199SEIU, the largest healthcare union in the country. Prior to joining Levy Ratner, Ms. Wilcox worked as a Field Attorney in the NLRB’s Region 2 office in New York. In that role, Ms. Wilcox investigated charges of unfair labor practices against both unions and employers, resolved and litigated cases, conducted union representation elections, and served as a hearing officer in representation cases. Ms. Wilcox has also served as a member of the New York City Office of Collective Bargaining where she heard and decided administrative cases involving New York City agencies and New York employee unions.
Since her confirmation as a member of the NLRB, Ms. Wilcox has applied her experience and legal expertise to protect workers’ rights, promote fair labor practices, and ensure the agency runs smoothly. She has played an active role in ensuring that workers have the ability to negotiate wages, benefits, and working conditions through their chosen representatives, thereby strengthening the voice of workers in the workplace. Her contributions have been instrumental in advancing the mission of the agency and fostering a just and equitable labor environment for American workers.
Ms. Wilcox’s experience within the NLRB and as counsel make her uniquely qualified to continue her service as a member of the NLRB. Ms. Wilcox’s extensive experience protecting the rights of workers both in private practice and in public service demonstrates her commitment and ability to carry out that responsibility as a member of the NLRB. Therefore, we urge the Senate to reconfirm Gwynne A. Wilcox swiftly.
Sincerely,
William Samuel
Director, Government Affairs