SEIU President Henry Response to Replacement of NLRB Nominee Block with McFerran

Washington, DC- In response to the Obama administration's withdrawal of the nomination of Sharon Block and replacement nomination of Lauren McFerran to the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), SEIU International President Mary Kay Henry issued the following statement:

Sharon Block is a thoughtful, smart and committed public servant with a proven track record serving on the both the National Labor Relations Board and at the U.S. Department of Labor. Today, once again, obstruction by the far right has stripped the American people of a qualified nominee with stellar credentials who would have served our nation's working families ably and justly. It is disappointing for America's hardworking men and women that such a capable candidate would fall prey to an extreme and crassly political agenda.

"Congress must prioritize filling all of the seats on the NLRB and confirm the Obama Administration's new nominee, Lauren McFerran, immediately. The rights of our 2 million members -- and tens of millions of working people in every sector and vocation -- are protected by labor laws that are best regulated by a fully functional NLRB. Lauren McFerran, is also an impressive candidate with a robust background in labor relations law and an excellent reputation for her professional work on the Hill. It is imperative to the security of our working families that Congress confirm McFerran swiftly."