jackybetman: NLRB "recess" appointments were unconstitutional; Board lacked a quorum

Tuesday, April 1, 2014

NLRB "recess" appointments were unconstitutional; Board lacked a quorum

Noel Canning v. NLRB (DC Cir 01/25/2013)

The DC Circuit this morning held that the President's attempt to make "recess" appointments of three NLRB Members was invalid under the constitution.

On February 8, 2012 the Board issued its decision finding that the employer violated the NLRA by refusing to reduce to writing and execute a collective bargaining agreement reached with Teamsters Local 760. At that time the Board purportedly had five members. Two of these had been confirmed by the Senate. Three of these were appointed on January 4, 2012, purportedly pursuant to the constitution's recess clause.

At the time of the President’s purported recess appointments, the Senate was operating pursuant to a unanimous consent agreement, which provided that the Senate would meet in pro forma sessions every three business days from December 20, 2011, through January 23, 2012. The DC Circuit held that "recess" appointments must occur during an "intersession" recess of the Senate, that is to say, the period between sessions of the Senate when the Senate is by definition not in session and therefore unavailable to receive and act upon nominations from the President.

Because the appointments were invalid, the Board lacked a quorum (three Members) and its order was "void."

Lots of chatter from all over: