Today’s news reports that the “card check” component of the Employee Free Choice Act may be altered is a testament to the hard work and focus of retailers around the country who have contacted lawmakers in opposition to this legislation. NRF’s goal is to keep the pressure on key Senators in opposition to any new version of Employee Free Choice Act which may emerge.
Several Democratic Senators, led by Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA), are continuing efforts to write a new variation of the “Employee Free Choice Act” that will satisfy the demands of organized labor and secure 60 Senate votes to overcome a Republican filibuster.
Senator Harkin’s new bill variation may alter the controversial Employee Free Choice Act “card check” provision but could include other dangerous provisions including “quickie elections”, “union access” and other restrictions on an employer’s ability to communicate with employees during union-organizing campaigns.
In addition, reports from the July 13 meeting at the White House between the President and Labor leaders indicate that President Obama clearly restated his support for the legislation, but indicated that his administration’s sole focus is on passage of health care legislation in the short term. The Union leaders came away from the meeting saying that health reform is their number one priority and passage of the Employee Free Choice Act is the number two priority.
It is clear that union leaders believe that the Employee Free Choice Act is alive and well, particularly as it relates to their top priority – binding interest arbitration and even “card check.” SEIU’s Andy Stern issued the following post on Twitter: “On employee free choice we expect a vote in the bill or by amendment on majority sign-up in both houses of Congress.”
As a result, it is important to reiterate that NRF and its coalition allies have embraced a “no compromise” strategy on the Employee Free Choice Act or any variation of the legislation because of the unique procedural and political circumstances presented by a Senate filibuster and the requirement of 60 votes needed to break it. If the bill’s proponents are able to secure the 60 votes necessary to overcome the filibuster, only a simple majority (51 Senate votes) would be required to pass the bill, which may include dangerous provisions such as government-dictated first contracts, union access to employer premises, “quickie” union elections, and other unacceptable concepts. By remaining steadfast in opposition to any variation of EFCA, the business community is successfully working together to keep EFCA and its variations from receiving 60 votes in the Senate.
One Comment
Why are you guys against this bill? Unions are the backbone of the working class of this nation! If retailers treat their employees well, their employees will have no desire to unionize. But sometimes they have to, just to survive. Do good business, treat your people well, and have some compassion!