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NLRB Chairman Refuses to Turn Over Documents Related to Ethics Controversy


Yesterday, National Labor Relations Board (“NLRB”) Chairman, John Ring, announced that he would refuse to turn over documentation requested by Democrats in regard to an ethic controversy surrounding Board Member William Emanuel.

For those unfamiliar with the matter, Democrats have sought communication between the NLRB’s in house ethics officer and Board Members regarding Board Member Emanuel.  (Controversy had arisen previously about Board Member Emanuel’s participation in a decision in which he was deemed to have a conflict of interest based upon his work prior to joining the NLRB.)

In his decision not to turn over further communication, Board Chairman Ring stated that the need for confidentiality of pre-decision communications was vital for protecting the integrity of the NLRB and its process.  At this point, there has been no word from Democrats on how they will proceed, given Ring’s refusal to turn over further communications.

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