Labor Leaders Launch Investigation into NLRB’s Settlements Amid Sweetheart Deals for Amazon

Labor Leaders Launch Investigation into NLRB's Settlements Amid Sweetheart Deals for Amazon

Scott, Mannion are raising the alarm about the NLRB's questionable decisions to offer favorable agreements to Amazon

WASHINGTON- Today, Ranking Member Robert C. "Bobby" Scott (VA-03), House Committee on Education and Workforce, and Rep. John Mannion (NY-22) questioned National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) General Counsel Crystal Carey about when and why her office pursues settlement agreements in cases pending before the Board.

On June 4, 2026, General Counsel Carey testified before the Health, Employment, Labor and Pensions Subcommittee that the "majority" of settlement agreements offered by the NLRB are bilateral and agreed upon by both parties, raising questions about how the General Counsel's office determines which cases are resolved through unilateral settlements over the objection of workers and their unions.

"While we share the commitment to tackle the NLRB's significant backlog, it cannot come at the expense of fighting for the justice that workers deserve. During your appearance before the Committee on June 4, 2026, you stated that the 'majority' of settlement agreements offered by your office are bilateral and thus agreed upon by both parties. However, 'majority' does not mean 'all,' and your office's recent decision to pursue unilateral settlement agreements in select cases are deeply concerning," wrote the Members.

The Members pointed to the NLRB's questionable decision to offer unilateral settlements to Amazon that allow the multi-trillion-dollar company to evade accountability and bargaining with its drivers. One of the settlements terminates a landmark, yearslong case involving Amazon delivery drivers despite objections from the drivers' union. Additionally, the Members cited concerns that these agreements depart from the NLRB's own guidance regarding settlements.

"The settlements you offered to Amazon in both of the aforementioned cases appear to stand in direct contradiction to your office's guidance […] Both settlements also include a non-admission clause for Amazon, which has been found to have violated the National Labor Relations Act in multiple cases. Additionally, given the objections to the settlements by workers and their representatives, the question arises whether your office is fully considering their input. These unilateral settlements raise serious questions and concerns about your office's decision-making process and standards for offering settlement agreements. As the General Counsel, it is your responsibility to enforce workers' rights fairly and consistently without regard to the parties involved," the Members concluded.

The Members requested responses to their questions no later than September 15, 2026.

On June 30, 2026, Ranking Member Scott, Rep. Ilhan Omar (MN-05), and Rep. Lucy McBath (GA-06) questioned General Counsel Carey about her potential conflicts of interest and improper influence in cases against companies accused of violating the law.

To read the full letter, click here.

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