Dear Senator:
On behalf of the 12.5 million members and 56 unions of the AFL-CIO, I strongly urge you to support the confirmation of Gwynne A. Wilcox to serve as a member of the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). Ms. Wilcox has a deep understanding of the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) and the policies and practices of the NLRB. Indeed, her qualifications for this position are beyond reproach. If confirmed, Ms. Wilcox will be the first Black woman to serve on the NLRB in the agency’s 85-year history, an important milestone.
Ms. Wilcox is an accomplished attorney with vast experience representing unions and workers. As a partner at Levy Ratner, P.C, Wilcox represents unions in arbitrations, contract negotiations, and before administrative agencies, including the NLRB. She serves 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 also has experience as a neutral in administrative agency decision-making. She serves as a member of the New York City Office of Collective Bargaining where she hears and decides administrative cases involving New York City agencies and New York employee unions.
Ms. Wilcox’s experience within the NLRB and as counsel make her uniquely qualified to serve as a member of the NLRB. She brings with her extensive knowledge of the long-standing and emerging issues facing workers who seek protection under the NLRA. Her years of service to the NLRB as a Field Attorney equip her to seamlessly enter her role as Board member.
Congress enacted the NLRA to protect the rights of employees, to encourage collective bargaining, and to prevent unfair labor practices that harm workers’ ability to engage in collective action. The NLRB is the sole avenue for workers to enforce those rights. 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 confirm Gwynne A. Wilcox swiftly.
Sincerely,
William Samuel
Director, Government Affairs