National Leaders at the Intersection of Labor Law and Antitrust Enforcement Return to Queens
On September 12, CUNY School of Law, in partnership with the CUNY School of Labor and Urban Studies, hosted a distinguished panel featuring Jennifer Abruzzo, General Counsel of the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), and Jonathan Kanter, Assistant Attorney General for the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Antitrust Division. The event, titled “Protecting Workers: The Intersection of Labor Law and Antitrust Enforcement,” brought together the two Queens natives and Biden administration appointees at the forefront of groundbreaking changes in labor and antitrust law.
Dean Sudha Setty warmly welcomed attendees, setting the tone for an engaging and insightful discussion. The event was expertly moderated by CUNY Law Professor Chaumtoli Huq, with introductory remarks by Ellen Dichner from the CUNY School of Labor and Urban Studies.
Professor Huq’s extensive experience in labor and employment law, particularly her advocacy work alongside immigrant communities of color in low-wage industries, brought a crucial perspective to the conversation. Her dialogue with the speakers illuminated how labor law and antitrust enforcement can serve as powerful tools for advancing workers’ rights and economic equity, an aspect of the work that connected with the CUNY Law audience.
Professor Huq emphasized the historic significance of this collaboration: “Having the heads of NLRB and DoJ Antitrust division collaborate on bringing these laws and their respective agencies to protect the rights of workers and all Americans is a momentous change from past policies where these agencies worked in their narrow silos. Hindrances to labor organizing and monopolies not only hurt workers and consumers, but also the ability of individuals to participate fully and freely in our economy and democracy. They are working to make these agencies and government work for the most vulnerable in our society. It was fitting to host them at CUNY Law, which has always been at the forefront of legal innovation in service of people.”
The discussion explored recent developments in labor law and antitrust enforcement, including NLRB actions on labor practices at major corporations, DOJ Antitrust Division’s efforts to protect competition for workers, and recent court decisions impacting labor. Of particular note was the 2022 Memorandum of Understanding between the NLRB and DOJ’s Antitrust Division, as well as the recent agreement between both Agencies and the Federal Trade Commission and the Department of Labor, exemplifying a whole-of-government approach to promoting competition for labor. The panelists also highlighted the DOJ Antitrust Division and the Federal Trade Commission’s 2023 Merger Guidelines that explicitly consider labor market impacts, including potential effects on wages, benefits, and working conditions. This innovative approach underscores the Biden-Harris administration’s commitment to leveraging antitrust enforcement to protect workers’ rights in an evolving economic landscape.
Both speakers reflected on how their family histories as children or grandchildren of immigrants, working parents, and union members have shaped their careers and given deeper meaning to their work. This personal connection to their professional missions resonated strongly with the audience, particularly the law students in attendance. The panelists also offered valuable career advice, emphasizing the importance of mentorship in opening doors and advancing in the legal field.
The event, which was both a homecoming for the speakers and a celebration of their successes, provided attendees with unique insights into the evolving landscape of labor laws and antitrust enforcement in labor markets. It underscored the critical role these areas of law play in protecting workers’ rights and maintaining fair competition in today’s economy.
CUNY Law is proud to have hosted this timely and important discussion, furthering our commitment to public service and social justice in the legal profession.