Kelly, Gallego, Cortez-Masto, Rosen Demand Answers Over NLRB Lease Cancellation Threatening Arizona Workers’ Rights
Today, Senators Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Catherine Cortez-Masto (D-NV), and Jacky Rosen (D-NV)senta letter to General Services Administration (GSA) Acting Administrator Stephen Ehikian and other officials demanding answers on a reported plan to cancel the lease for the NLRB Region 28 Phoenix office, which investigates unfair labor practices and protects the right of workers to collectively bargain.
“The office is vital for workers who seek to exercise their rights under the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) to collectively join together to bargain for higher wages, better benefits, and safer workplaces,” the senators wrote. “As we have seen with regard to DOGE’s chaotic and ill-informed prior actions, lease cancellations sometimes lay the groundwork for future reductions in force. Both actions would have a devastating impact on the growing number of workers seeking to exercise their rights under the NLRA.”
Between January 2024 and April 2025, the Region 28 office received over 1,200 unfair labor practice charges and covered approximately 16,000 workers, a significant increase compared to prior years. The senators warned that eliminating the Phoenix office lease could lead to longer delays for workers and possible reductions in workforce, just as demand for NLRB services is rising. This creates uncertainty for both employees and employers, who depend on prompt NLRB decisions.
“A strong and well-staffed regional office is needed to manage the continued surge in organized labor activity in Region 28,” the senators continued.
The senators concluded by warning that further reductions to the already underfunded and understaffed NLRB would hurt working families at a time when they need strong labor protections more than ever.
“In fact, the NLRB is already woefully understaffed given its mandate, only receiving a minor funding increase after 10 years of flat funding in 2022, and lease cancellations and reductions in force would only further increase wait times for workers seeking to exercise their labor rights under the NLRA,” the senators said. “With American families seeing prices for necessities increase, it is more important than ever to ensure Americans have the ability to exercise their labor rights as they fight collectively to earn good wages and quality benefits.”
Read the full letter here.
