Key facts
- The National Labor Relations Board dismissed 34.7% of unfair labor practice charges filed by unions between January 2025 and April 2026.
- The agency dismissed 67.4% of unfair labor practice charges filed by workers during the same period.
- These dismissal rates represent an increase from 2024.
- The Center for American Progress conducted the analysis of over 40,000 cases.
- The NLRB has experienced understaffing and a significant workforce reduction.
- New intake protocols implemented in December 2025 make it easier for charges to be dismissed.
The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) has seen a significant increase in the dismissal of unfair labor practice charges filed by both unions and individual workers since the beginning of Donald Trump's second term, according to an analysis by the Center for American Progress. Between January 2025 and April 2026, the agency dismissed 34.7% of charges filed by labor unions, a 14.2% increase from 2024, and 67.4% of charges filed by workers, a 10.7% increase. The analysis of over 40,000 cases points to several issues plaguing the board, including a prolonged period without a quorum and significant understaffing. Labor lawyers have observed that cases are being dismissed on technicalities due to issues with the agency's docketing system. The NLRB's workforce saw a net loss of over 10% in 2025, contributing to worsening case backlogs. Concurrently, union election filings declined by 30% in 2025. The Trump-appointed General Counsel of the NLRB, Crystal Carey, issued guidance in February 2026 emphasizing settlements over litigation, and new intake protocols enacted in December 2025 require charging parties to submit substantial evidence within two weeks, making dismissals easier. Aurelia Glass, policy analyst at the Center for American Progress, expressed concern that these changes create an uphill battle for workers organizing unions and that employers may face fewer consequences for violating labor laws.