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ARTICLE · 25 AUGUST 2025

Fifth Circuit Rules NLRB Structure Likely Unconstitutional

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On August 19, 2025, the Fifth Circuit upheld injunctions barring the National Labor Relations Board ("NLRB" or the "Board") from prosecuting unfair labor practice cases against SpaceX and two other companies.

United StatesEmployment and HR

On August 19, 2025, the Fifth Circuit upheld injunctions barring the National Labor Relations Board ("NLRB" or the "Board") from prosecuting unfair labor practice cases against SpaceX and two other companies. In its decision, a three-judge panel found the removal protections that federal labor law grants NLRB members and NLRB administrative law judges ("ALJs") likely violate the U.S. Constitution. The Fifth Circuit emphasized that being subjected to proceedings by unconstitutionally insulated officers constitutes irreparable harm, leading to preliminary injunctions blocking the NLRB cases.

SpaceX and two other companies sued to block NLRB cases against them. When doing so, each alleged the NLRB's structure is unconstitutional; specifically including the limits on the President's ability to fire Board members and ALJs. The arguments presented by SpaceX point to language in the National Labor Relations Act ("NLRA") that only allows the President to fire Board members

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