The National Labor Relations Board is at a standstill after President Donald Trump fired board chair Gwynne Wilcox, a Democratic appointee, leaving a total of three vacancies on the five-member panel and ensuring it does not have a quorum to conduct business.

The action, along with Trump’s firing of the NLRB’s general counsel, Jennifer Abruzzo, means the board cannot act on hundreds of cases of alleged labor law violations, including against Amazon, Walmart, Apple and Starbucks.

The firings signal an end to Biden-era decisions that were widely considered to be pro-labor and angered businesses.

The NLRB is designed to be independent from the White House. Wilcox was the first Black woman to serve on and chair the NLRB. Wilcox’s term was due to end in August 2028. Firing her may violate labor law, which only permits removal for “neglect of duty or malfeasance in office.”

Reuters, Jan. 28