{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "rows": [["https://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/following-casey-effort-nlrb-to-keep-pittsburgh-office-open", "Following Casey Effort, NLRB to Keep Pittsburgh Office Open", "2014-11-07", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "PA", "Bob Casey", "C001070", "www.casey.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC- Today, U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) announced that following his efforts to preserve the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) office in Pittsburgh, the NLRB has decided to keep the location open. The NLRB had been considering a merger between the Pittsburgh and Buffalo offices, which would result in fewer resources for workers and businesses for one of the two regions.\u00a0 With today\u2019s announcement, both the Pittsburgh and Buffalo offices will remain open. The NLRB regional offices have a history of advocating on behalf of workers against unethical business practices and providing a long-standing commitment to the welfare of the regions\u2019 workers.\r\n\u201cI\u2019m pleased that the NLRB has seen the value of its Pittsburgh office and has decided to keep it open,\u201d said Senator Casey. \u201cFor nearly 80 years, the NLRB has promoted and defended rights of workers and employers. I know this office will continue to support the labor community\u2019s needs and foster job growth in Southwestern Pennsylvania.\u201d\r\nEarlier this year, Senator Casey sent a letter of support to NLRB Chairman Mark Pearce. Below is the full text of Senator Casey\u2019s letter:\r\nDear Chairman Gaston Pearce,\r\nAs a member of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, the committee with jurisdiction over the National Labor Relations Board, I am concerned with the proposed merger of the Buffalo (Region 3) and Pittsburgh (Region 6) regional offices.\u00a0 The NLRB has an impeccable reputation for remedying unfair labor practices and it is my fear that this merger will affect its positive reputation and unmatched efforts on behalf of workers across both regions.\r\nA merger of the regional offices could affect available resources, offer a less visible pro-worker presence in one of the regions and even send a mixed message about the NLRB\u2019s commitment to workers in both regions.\u00a0 Additionally, the merger could lead to a backlog of cases, causing an inefficient processing of claims and longer wait times for workers trying to stand up for themselves.\u00a0 In the past, both regional offices have done a fantastic job of advocating on behalf of workers and against the unethical practices of some employers -- it would be deeply upsetting to see a merger, while well-intentioned, tarnish the NLRB\u2019s past successes.\r\nA consolidated regional office would be responsible for covering labor practices in Western Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Upstate New York.\u00a0 As a result, I believe that if this merger is to occur, having the Regional Director reside in Pittsburgh would allow central access to all states and workers who are governed by this office.\u00a0\r\nIncreased demand for NLRB services is expected in Pittsburgh due to projected industrial growth and increased union activity in the area.\u00a0 Pittsburgh has made great strides to reinvent its economy and make the region stronger than ever.\u00a0 According to recent data, Pittsburgh\u2019s unemployment rate is lower than Buffalo\u2019s and below the national average.\u00a0 Pittsburgh also has higher than average current and projected job growth and higher city and metro area populations as compared to its Buffalo counterpart.\u00a0\r\nBecause the NLRB has such a long-standing commitment to the welfare of the regions\u2019 workers and due to my deep concern for its efficacy going forward, I advocate for the continued presence of both regional offices.\u00a0 However, should this merger occur, I believe that the Regional Director should be located in Pittsburgh so that the NLRB\u2019s ability to continue effectively representing its many members is not compromised.\r\nSincerely,\r\nSenator Robert P. Casey Jr.\r\nChairman\r\nEmployment and Workplace Safety Subcommittee\r\nUnited States Senate\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\r\ncc:\u00a0 Nancy J. Shiffer, NLRB Board Member\r\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Kent Y. Hirozawa, NLRB Board Member\r\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Philip A. Miscimarra, NLRB Board Member\r\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Harry I. Johnson, III, NLRB Board Member\r\n###\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\tPress Contact\r\n\t\t\t\t\tJohn Rizzo 202-228-6367", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"]], "columns": ["url", "title", "date", "year", "month", "party", "chamber", "state", "member_name", "bioguide_id", "domain", "scraper", "source", "date_source", "text", "has_text", "collected_at", "updated_at"], "primary_keys": ["url"], "primary_key_values": ["https://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/following-casey-effort-nlrb-to-keep-pittsburgh-office-open"], "units": {}, "query_ms": 0.8819550275802612, "source": "dwillis/congress-press", "source_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press", "license": "MIT", "license_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press/blob/main/LICENSE"}