Labor Vacancies Could Affect Trump’s Deregulatory Push Next Year

Federal labor agencies will lack key personnel heading into President Donald Trump’s fourth year in office.

Some vacancies follow the administration’s playbook, leaving major policy decisions up to Republican majorities or a small group of politically appointed leaders. But business and labor advocates said the personnel gaps have affected the pace and direction of policymaking and enforcement of workplace protections. They also could impact White House goals for deregulation.

The National Labor Relations Board, which enforces labor-relations law, will likely begin operating without Democratic members before the end of the year. Two seats remain open on the five-member Equal Employment ...