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ARTICLE · 29 JANUARY 2026

Hold Up: Labor Board Implementing New Screening Procedures For Charges

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Most labor relations professionals know that the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB or Board) changes its view on national labor policy whenever we see a change in administration.

United StatesEmployment and HR
David Pryzbylski
David Pryzbylski
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Most labor relations professionals know that the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB or Board) changes its view on national labor policy whenever we see a change in administration. Some may not realize, however, that in addition to seeing shifts in terms of precedent, everyday processes in terms of how the agency handles cases change as well. For example, former NLRB General Counsel Peter Robb launched an initiative during his tenure to quicken the pace for processing Board charges.

Now that we have a quorum and new General Counsel, Crystal Carey, it appears a pretty significant process change is already underway.

According to a recent report from Bloomberg Law (New NLRB Intake Protocol Delays When Investigations Get Assigned), the agency is using a new protocol to screen incoming charges such that they must clear certain procedural hurdles before they are formally assigned for investigation. The new process is being implemented to address an increasing backlog

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