The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) is an independent federal agency created in 1935 to enforce the NLRA. The NLRB’s primary functions include investigating and remedying unfair labor practices, enforcing the rights established by the NLRA, and conducting secret-ballot elections for union representation.
The NLRB is a bifurcated agency governed by both a five-member Board and a General Counsel. The President appoints Board Members and the General Counsel, with the consent of the Senate. Each Board Member is appointed to a four-year term and the term of one member expires each year. The General Counsel is appointed to a four-year term.
The General Counsel is responsible for the investigation and prosecution of unfair labor practices and supervises the NLRB field offices in the processing of cases. The Board appoints Administrative Law Judges, who hear, settle, and decide unfair labor practice cases. A decision and recommended order by an Administrative Law Judge can be appealed to the Board.