The Employee Free Choice Act

The Employee Free Choice Act, also known as Card Check, was introduced in both houses of Congress in March. This bill, identical to legislation passed in the House in 2007, proposes to eliminate the secret ballot election process by which unions are recognized; imposes very expensive binding arbitration requirements on contract negotiations if a first contract is not reached within an aggressive timeline; and imposes stiff employer, but no union, penalties for violations of the law. The Business Council, working in partnership with over 300 trade associations and chambers of commerce across NYS, to oppose this legislation. Previous Card Check updates can be found at the CANYS Issues Page.    

Update:

It is more important than ever to keep the pressure on and our momentum heading in the right direction, if business is to succeed it killing any chances of Card Check legislation from being considered during this session. Senator Specter’s publicly stated position in opposition showed this clearly – and in key states we’re beginning to make the inroads needed to reach our ultimate goal. Now is NOT the time to let up – and it is so important so show support from all states, not just those “targeted” states where members are not declared, or facing re-election.

Updates of interest from the last two weeks: 

• Sen. Blanche Lincoln (Ark.) became the first Senate Democrat to oppose the card-check bill heavily backed by unions, The Hill reports. In a statement, Lincoln pledged to vote against legislation formally known as the Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA), which would allow workers to organize into unions more easily. She said she could not vote for the bill in its current form.  

• Unions keep up the pressure during Congressional Break with new ad campaigns and efforts to get to members in their district offices.

The Washington Post asked prominent leaders "What's next?" re: Card Check now that Senators Specter and Lincoln have made their positions clear.

We found each of them very instructive; read David Brody's observations closely, particularly what Senator Specter said about Card Check "not going away". I also found interesting William Gould's observations on the compromise plan offered by Starbucks, Costco & Whole Foods.

The no votes from Senators Specter & Lincoln should not make anyone feel that the war has been won. 

Given all of the above, please consider of joining Kenneth Adams at the US Chamber’s Business Summit in Washington, DC May 11-12 which will culminate in a “Rally on the Hill” against Card Check. In addition to content on a variety of business issues (health care/insurance reform; transportation reauthorization) the issue of Card Check will be front and center. Kenneth is leading a delegation to DC – don’t lose the opportunity to join with businesses from around the country by joining the collective voice opposing Card Check. For more details on the agenda and how to participate, click here.