The card check bill which would have allowed unions to win the right to represent without an election is being modified in hopes of gaining passage. Originally the bill eliminated the secret ballot, allowing the union a victory by just collecting enough signatures on the petition for election.

Currently the petition simply allows the workers to vote, and gives the company an opportunity to counter promises and claims made by the union. Acts of intimidation and bribery are strictly forbidden and strictly enforced.

Even noted Democratic liberal George McGovern has spoken against the elimination of the secret ballot, considering this a sacrosanct insurance AGAINST intimidation. Supporters seem willing to lose the card check provision to assure passage, but there are two other provisions that are also destructive.

The first requires much shorter unionization campaigns. This would allow the unions an infinite amount of time to address workers on their side, but strictly limit the amount of time the company would have to counter or address their concerns. How are the workers be served by rushing the campaign? Why should they be restricted from hearing counter arguments of the unions?

The second provision would require binding arbitration if the two parties do not reach an agreement within 60 days. This gives the government authority to set wages and benefits in private companies.

The remaining requirements, especially binding arbitration, would be a real job killer in small business. Few entrepreneurs would tolerate such intrusion; they would outsource whatever they could, reduce employees wherever possible, or shut down and retire early if able. This would provide another incentive to manufacture overseas.

This bill is still a job killer and political payoff for union support.

Tag Archives

Union Compromise is No Victory for Business

Recent Posts

Recent Comments