On February 7, 2018, Senator Lamar Alexander (R-TN) announced that the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee would vote on President Trump’s nominee to the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) on February 14^th. President Trump nominated John Ring for this position on January 12, 2018, to replace Chairman Philip Miscimarra, whose term ended on December 16, 2017.

Like his predecessor Chairman Miscimarra, Ring was a partner at Morgan, Lewis, & Bockius (in Washington, D.C., not Chicago). He was also a “co-leader of the firm’s labor/management relations practice, office practice leader for the labor and employment practice, and hiring partner.” In addition, he co-authored Morgan Lewis’ ADA Resource Manual.

Ring earned his B.A. from the Catholic University of America in 1985. Interestingly, he then worked as a staff assistant for the International Brotherhood of Teamsters according to his LinkedIn profile. He later earned a J.D. from Catholic in 1989. He has been practicing law at Morgan Lewis since he graduated from law school. Ring is a member of the Connecticut and District of Columbia bars.

Chair of Morgan Lewis Jami McKeon praised John Ring in a statement:

“Morgan Lewis lawyers have a long history of serving in many federal agencies at the highest level and we’re proud that our partner John Ring will continue in that tradition when confirmed.  John’s unflappable integrity and skill in balancing legal and business concerns will be an asset to the National Labor Relations Board.”

The Board currently has only four members, instead of the usual five members. With two worker freedom advocates and two union boss advocates on the Board, it's a challenge for the Board to make a decision on some cases.

When John Ring is confirmed, the Center for Worker Freedom looks forward to more pro-worker freedom decisions from the Board.

Updated: The vote has been postponed.