Many States’ Employee-Friendly Labor Laws Take Effect as NLRB Remains Quorum-Less
Takeaways Rhode Island became the 13th state banning mandatory “captive audience meetings.” Oregon and Washington will offer unemployment benefits to qualified striking workers starting 01.01.26. New York and other states are seeking to regulate private labor disputes while the Board lacks a quorum, raising federal preemption concerns. Related links Clear the Calendar: NLRB Restricts Captive Audience Meetings Acting General Counsel Statement on Potential State Legislation Regulating Private Sector Labor Relations (press release) Article The National Labor Relations Board remains without a quorum, leaving key decisions and enforcement actions on hold. In the meantime, state legislatures across the country have introduced new labor laws that increase employer obligations — often in areas traditionally under federal oversight. These measures include bans on mandatory captive audience meetings, expanded unemployment benefits for striking workers, and broader jurisdiction for state lab...