Obama NLRB Nominees Return Pro-Worker Majority to Board

President Obama's nomination of two new members to the National Labor Relations Board finally restores fairness for workers.

The nominees – Mark Pearce and Craig Becker – have years of experience in advocating for and defending workers' rights. The nominations must be confirmed by the U.S. Senate.

Pearce, a member of the New York State United Teachers union, has represented workers as a lawyer and also served as a member of the New York State Industrial Board of Appeals and trial specialist for the NLRB's regional office in Buffalo from 1979 to 1994. CWA District 1 Vice President Chris Shelton said Pearce had done good work for CWA members as well.

Becker currently serves as associate general counsel for the AFL-CIO and the Service Employees International Union. He has practiced and taught labor law for more than 25 years.

Once confirmed, Pearce and Becker will join board member Wilma Liebman, a longtime supporter of workers' organizing and bargaining rights. The Board's other member, Peter Carey Schaumber, was appointed by former President Bush. One position remains vacant and will be filled with a Republican member.