More on the Employee Free Choice Act
The debate over the Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA) rages on. Here’s the latest from Reuters and Business Week.
In short, EFCA is proposed legislation that would (1) dramatically alter the union election process, (2) require agreement on a contract within a defined time period and (3) increase potential employer fines for misconduct.
Business advocates slam the bill, saying it would rob employees of their right to vote by secret ballot, instead requiring only a simple majority of employees to sign authorization cards. They say EFCA would result in a rapid increase in unionization that would ultimately impose additional burdens and costs on U.S. businesses and impair their ability to compete in a global economy.
Union advocates say that EFCA is needed to counterbalance what they say is currently a coercive, pro-employer election process. They point to the fact that employers have a built-in advantage because they can talk to employees during the election process on-site while unions generally can’t.
Obama has publicly stated that he would sign EFCA. ”We will pass the Employee Free Choice Act,” he has said. “It’s not a matter of if, it’s a matter of when.” McCain opposes the bill.
Stay tuned for more.