August, 2009 - All legislative proposals evolve over time. After a bill is introduced – and sometimes even before – the public weighs in, competing points of view are considered, and counterproposals are put on the table. Policymakers debate, negotiate and compromise.
EFCA is no different. The public debate is well underway... and various compromise positions are being floated for consideration.
Here’s the latest scoop on rumored EFCA compromises:
- * Many media reports are suggesting that Democratic leadership in Congress is trying to craft a compromise version of EFCA that would attract support from all 60 Senate Democrats. If that happens, the bill could be approved with less public debate than is usual for a policy change of this magnitude.
- * On July 17, The New York Times reported that some U.S. Senators would be willing to drop one of the key features of EFCA – the card check provision itself, which many Americans oppose because it would do away with secret ballot union elections. In this counterproposal, the card check would be replaced with an abbreviated union election schedule of five to ten days. Under current labor law, the union election process typically takes about six to eight weeks, which allows ample time for both employers and union organizers to fully inform workers of the pros and cons of union representation. The question to ask is, "Would five to ten days be a sufficient time for all workers to hear both sides, collect the facts, talk with each other and their families, and decide which option – union or no union – is in their best interest?"
- * Additional potential changes to EFCA that have surfaced in news reports include requiring companies to give union organizers access to company property and barring employers from requiring workers to attend anti-union meetings.
As you determine whether EFCA makes sense for you, your family and your employer, it’s important to stay current on what is, and is not, under consideration. Check back periodically with WeAreManufacturers.com to stay informed about the latest card check proposals and counterproposals.