Gwynne Wilcox Becomes NLRB Chair, Succeeding Lauren McFerran

Gwynne Wilcox Takes Helm as NLRB Chair; Historic Leadership Continues

The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) is ushering in a new era with Gwynne Wilcox at its helm, marking another milestone in its history. The change in leadership comes as Lauren McFerran concludes her term, leaving behind a legacy of steadfast advocacy for workers' rights.

Liz Shuler, President of the AFL-CIO, expressed gratitude for McFerran's contributions, noting her "expertise, integrity and decades of experience in labor law" which have been invaluable to the workforce nationwide. Under McFerran's leadership, the NLRB stood resilient against challenges from major corporations, including Starbucks, Amazon, and SpaceX, ensuring the protection of workers' rights.

Gwynne Wilcox steps into the role with a robust history of advancing pro-worker policies. Her experience as the associate general counsel for SEIU District 1199, the largest health care union in the U.S., and her work as a field attorney in New York City, where she tackled unfair labor practices, underline her commitment to fair labor practices and union rights. Since her confirmation as a member of the NLRB, Wilcox has been recognized as a fair and decisive leader.

Wilcox's appointment is historic, as she becomes the first Black woman to chair the NLRB, adding to her previous distinction as the first Black woman on the board. This transition occurs amidst a surge in union interest, with 60 million Americans expressing a desire to join unions last year. Wilcox's leadership is expected to support this wave of organizing by upholding the freedoms of workers to unite and negotiate collectively.

For further information, please contact Mia Jacobs at 202-637-5018.