We’ve figured it has been awhile since we’ve done a rundown of labor issues in the news so here it goes:

• Recess appointed NLRB Board Member Craig Becker is under investigation
  The Washington Examiner’s Mark Hemingway reports that the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform Ranking Member Darrell Issa, R-Calif., has asked the NLRB’s Inspector General to examine the potential conflict of interest in Becker’s decision to take part in Board decisions involving his previous employers – the AFL-CIO and the SEIU.
• Labor Department report shows that fewer employees are seeking to form a labor union
  The Bureau of Labor Statistics released data that shows that the number of union elections has decreased 60 percent from 1997-2009. This trend follows closely with the decline in overall union membership. Perhaps employees aren’t finding it necessary to have a third party represent them with their employers?
• The Washington Post highlights the flaws of labor leaders plans for higher taxes
  In a follow up piece from a recent lunch with the head of the AFL-CIO, Richard Trumka, the Washington Post’s Ruth Marcus highlights the flawed logic behind labor leaders’ plans to increase taxes on higher-end earners in order to maintain current levels of spending. Her verdict? It won’t work.
• NLRB is finally fully staffed in time to celebrate its 75^th birthday
  Brian Hayes has been sworn in to become the fifth member of the NLRB, bringing the Board to its full complement of five members. Also this week, the Board recognizes the 75th anniversary of our nation’s primary labor statute the National Labor Relations Act. Let’s hope the current Board members maintain the principles of balance that the original drafters sought.
• Labor Board lays out plans to re-hear almost 100 cases
  In response to the Supreme Court ruling that the NLRB had no authority to determine cases without the necessary quorum of members the board laid out plans to re-hear approximately 100 cases that were made in the past few years. The Board’s staffing problems have started when Senate Democrats first sought to block President Bush’s efforts to ensure the Board was properly staffed.
• Former labor official, now White House political director forgot to disclose almost $40k in unused vacation time that was cashed out
  As labor groups continue to press Congress to pass paid leave mandates, it appears such benefits don’t come cheap.