The General Services Administration Technology Modernization Fund (TMF) announced a $23 million investment to modernize the National Labor Relations Board case management system. The funding will enable the agency to replace its outdated hardware with an advanced, cloud-based solution, dramatically improving its ability to process labor disputes efficiently. In 2023, the NLRB processed over 22,000 cases and recovered more than $56 million for workers. However, its 17-year-old system has led to delays in case processing, reduced data reliability, and increased cybersecurity risks. Such technological challenges impact internal operations and affect the agency’s ability to serve workers and employers, NLRB officials note.
The modernization effort will prioritize e-filing capabilities, allowing for faster and more efficient submission of labor-related documents, as well as enhanced public access to critical information and case statuses. The system upgrade will also facilitate more robust data analytics, enabling the NLRB to identify trends, make data-driven decisions, and allocate resources more effectively. Further, the upgraded system will be built with scalability in mind, ensuring the agency can readily adapt to future technological advancements and evolving labor landscape needs.
“Across government, we’re focused on serving the American people through the secure, accessible, and responsible use of technology,” says GSA Administrator Robin Carnahan. “The TMF is a proven model for driving effective, impactful, and cost-effective government IT modernization. GSA is committed to its growth and long-term success.”
“This investment in the NLRB’s technological capabilities represents our commitment to making government digital services more efficient and effective for workers and the general public,” notes TMF Executive Director Larry Bafundo. “By providing the tools for faster case processing and improved data management, we’re empowering the NLRB to better serve the American workforce and uphold the principles of fair labor practices.”
“This investment exemplifies the transformative power of strategic IT modernization,” adds TMF Board Chair and Federal CIO Clare Martorana. “By leveraging TMF, we’ve accelerated NLRB’s digital transformation, significantly enhancing its operational capabilities. The shift to a cloud-based solution isn’t just replacing legacy infrastructure—it’s unlocking new levels of scalability, security, and accessibility.”
AGENCY MERGER REVIEW COORDINATION
A new memorandum of understanding between the U.S. Departments of Labor and Justice, National Labor Relations Board and Federal Trade Commission is intended to strengthen competition by better coordinating the information antitrust agencies use to evaluate potential impacts of mergers and acquisitions on labor markets. The document sets out several methods to obtain background on labor issues during merger investigations:
- Soliciting information from worker stakeholders and organizations;
- Seeking production of additional information and data related to labor markets from filing entities;
- Using public data sets from the department and NLRB; and,
- Continuing to coordinate under pre-existing interagency memorandums of understanding.
“Workers are the backbone of our economy, and it’s critical that the impact on workers and the labor market are given due consideration when analyzing mergers and acquisitions,” says Acting Secretary of Labor Julie Su. “The Department of Labor is committed to providing information and data to strengthen the Department of Justice and Federal Trade Commission’s understanding of labor markets, and we look forward to deepening our work to protect workers by promoting fair competition in labor markets.”
“Competition in labor markets means higher wages, better working conditions, and more opportunities for workers,” adds Justice Department Antitrust Division Assistant Attorney General Jonathan Kanter. “Our partnership with the Federal Trade Commission, National Labor Relations Board and the Department of Labor will help us identify and act against mergers that threaten to harm competition for workers.”
“Congress passed the antitrust laws to ensure that all Americans benefit from free and fair competition. When businesses vigorously compete for workers, workers enjoy better wages and working conditions as well as greater opportunity and freedom,” concludes FTC Chair Lina Khan. “By deepening partnerships with the National Labor Relations Board, the Department of Labor and the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division, the FTC will keep building on our whole-of-government efforts to ensure that all Americans can get a fair shot in our economy.”