Senators Joe Manchin (I-WV) and Kyrsten Sinema (I-AZ) just handed a major victory to corporate interests, and in the process, dealt a devastating blow to President Biden’s labor agenda.
In a crucial vote Wednesday, both senators blocked Biden’s nominee to the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), effectively costing Democrats control of the board through 2026. The reaction was swift, and it wasn’t pretty. Democrats across the country are fuming over what they see as a betrayal from two of their own.
Democratic strategist Chris Jackson didn’t mince words. He called the senators’ votes a “crushing blow” to the labor movement, accusing them of handing Donald Trump the keys to the NLRB the moment he takes office again. “This is a betrayal of working families,” Jackson wrote. “A gift to corporate interests, which is exactly what we’ve come to expect from Manchin and Sinema.”
The NLRB plays a key role in settling disputes between businesses and labor unions. By blocking Biden’s nominee, Manchin and Sinema just ensured that Republicans will control the board. For working people, that’s a disaster waiting to happen.
On social media, others were just as outraged. Media analyst Alex Guiden echoed the sentiment, calling the senators’ votes a direct attack on working people. “Manchin and Sinema just voted against Biden’s nominee, blocking Democrats from securing control of the NLRB through 2026,” Guiden said. “Their betrayal hands Trump control of the board at the expense of workers. They should be ashamed.”
Jared Schablein, a political commentator, put it bluntly: “If you want to know why Democrats are losing ground with unions and the working class, look no further than Manchin and Sinema.”
These two senators have been a thorn in the side of the Democratic Party for years, consistently siding with Republicans on key votes. And now, it’s clear that their loyalty lies not with the people who elected them, but with big business.
But while Democrats are furious, Republicans couldn’t be happier. Far-right activist Charlie Kirk celebrated the move as a major victory for conservatives. “Great news!! Senators Joe Manchin and Kyrsten Sinema blocked Democrat activist Lauren McFerran’s re-nomination to the NLRB,” Kirk wrote. “Trump and the Republican-controlled Senate will now be able to confirm two nominees, giving them a one-seat advantage.”
For Republicans, controlling the NLRB is about gaining power over the labor movement and making sure that unions don’t have the upper hand in negotiations with big business. And now, thanks to Manchin and Sinema, they’re one step closer to achieving that goal.
This vote shows just how deep the divisions run within the Democratic Party. While Joe Biden and most Democrats fight for workers, Manchin and Sinema have repeatedly sided with corporate interests. It’s no wonder that unions and working-class voters are growing disillusioned with the party.
Jennifer Grady, a critic of both Manchin and Sinema, summed it up best: “People need to feel it. Talking is not working.” And right now, it’s the American workers who will feel the pain of this betrayal. Manchin and Sinema’s votes make it clear: their allegiance is not to the working class, but to the corporate elites.
For Democrats, it’s time to stop hoping for change from these two senators and start holding them accountable. Because as long as they’re in power, working people will continue to lose.
