On June 9, 2025, the acting general counsel of the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), William Cowen, offered a surprising—and encouraging—update: the NLRB may be spared from President Donald Trump’s sweeping efforts to downsize the federal government. In remarks that caught the attention of labor advocates and employers alike, Cowen stated that “the administration has treated us well,” suggesting that despite aggressive agency cuts elsewhere, the NLRB could remain largely intact.
A Positive Signal for Worker Protections
This development is a breath of fresh air for labor professionals who have watched months of legal uncertainty and leadership transitions unsettle the agency’s trajectory. While many feared the NLRB would be a target for the new administration’s austerity measures, Cowen’s comments hint at a more measured approach—one that preserves the NLRB’s ability to function and fulfill its statutory mission.
Even in a shifting political environment, the importance of the NLRB’s work has not diminished. As the chief enforcer of the National Labor Relations Act, the board protects workers’ rights to organize, bargain collectively, and engage in protected concerted activity. Its continued operations are critical to maintaining balanced labor relations across the country.
Navigating Change with Resilience
The NLRB has certainly experienced turbulence this year. President Trump’s dismissal of former General Counsel Jennifer Abruzzo and Board Member Gwynne Wilcox raised serious questions about agency independence and triggered litigation over presidential removal powers. Though a federal court ordered Wilcox’s reinstatement, that decision is now stayed pending review by the U.S. Supreme Court.
Despite these leadership shakeups, Cowen’s appointment appears to have stabilized internal operations. He has already begun reshaping the agency’s direction—pulling back some of the broader remedies introduced during the previous administration—but without paralyzing the board. And now, with the agency potentially shielded from cuts, the NLRB is in a stronger position to rebuild.
Why the NLRB May Be Spared
So why might the NLRB be bypassed in Trump’s budget reductions? Cowen’s remarks suggest two likely reasons:
- The Agency’s Lean Structure: Compared to other federal agencies, the NLRB operates with a relatively modest budget and lean staffing. It already functions with efficiency—making it a less obvious target for cuts.
- Institutional Respect: Even as policy priorities shift, the NLRB’s essential role in resolving labor disputes and enforcing legal standards remains recognized by both political parties. Its quasi-judicial function lends it a level of institutional credibility that may have helped it avoid the ax.
Cautious Optimism for What Comes Next
Labor advocates should take heart: a stable NLRB means continued access to the nation’s primary forum for resolving workplace disputes. And while the agency’s philosophy may shift under new leadership, its preservation ensures that workers and employers alike will have a place to turn for legal clarity and resolution.
If the NLRB does, in fact, avoid budgetary cuts, it can begin to rebuild its capacity, address the backlog of cases paused by leadership gaps, and continue playing its indispensable role in the American workplace.
Certainly, questions remain. The Supreme Court’s ruling on removal powers could still affect leadership appointments. And the Senate confirmation process for Trump’s new nominee, Crystal Carey, may shape the agency’s future direction.
But for now, one thing is clear: the NLRB appears poised to survive the storm. With funding intact and a roadmap for stability, the board can carry forward its nearly century-long mission to ensure fair labor practices in a changing world.
The coming months will reveal more, but for now, labor stakeholders have reason to feel cautiously hopeful. In a political climate where few agencies are safe from budget cuts, the NLRB’s continued operation is not just good news—it’s a quiet affirmation of its enduring relevance.
For further details, please contact the lawyers at Tobia & Lovelace Esq., LLC at 201-638-0990.