NLRB suspends elections - COVID-19

March 19, 2020 press release from the NLRB:

Due to the extraordinary circumstances related to the COVID-19 pandemic, the National Labor Relations Board [on March 19] approved the suspension of all representation elections, including mail ballot elections, for the next two weeks effective immediately, through and including April 3, 2020.

The Board deems this action necessary to ensure the health and safety of our employees, as well as those members of the public who are involved in the election process. Moreover, given the closure of several Regional Offices and limited operations and significant telework at others, the Board does not believe that it is possible to effectively conduct elections at this time.

The Board will continue to monitor this evolving situation and determine whether additional extension of this suspension may be necessary.

I expect this will last much longer than two weeks. If elections resume during the next three months, I expect they will be something other than in-person balloting.