Comments on: Employee Free Choice debate heats up

By: Brian

Brian — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 13:49:19 +0000

I hope Kline is serious about the SBPA, and it’s not just a ploy to combat the EFCA. He should absolutely push this through.

By: tim

tim — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 11:11:04 +0000

There is nothing right about the EFCA, but it is not about right or wrong or what is best for the country. It’s simply pay back of the worst kind to the Union Leadership (who needs more dues) for it’s support in getting the present administration elected.

By: LarryB

LarryB — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 20:35:51 +0000

Point: While the NLRA does allow for elections to be held if 30% of employees sign cards, the reality is that unions will not normally petition for an election until they have approximately 70% signatures because they know that many of the people they harassed or intimidated into signing cards will vote against them in the actual election. IF unions harass and/or intimidate people now into signing cards, can you imagine what it will be like if the Employee Forced Choice Act is passed?

By: LuisG

LuisG — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 19:19:51 +0000

This bill is simply going against the democratic vein of our Constitution.
I am in favor of respecting employees rights. Usually in a workplace there are
people that are in favor or against the need to have union representation.
Where does this bill respects the rights of those that do not feel the need to be
represented by somebody else?
President Obama made a campaing promise to the unions. Did he consider the cost to the very same businessess he is now desperately in need to help survive?

By: MarkG

MarkG — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 19:18:57 +0000

The issue isn’t whether or not Unions are good or bad it is protecting the employees right to make the choice to be represented free from coercion. Employees may tell a Union they will vote for representation then vote against it in a secret ballot because they don’t think it meets their needs but are afraid to say so face-to-face with co-workers or organizers. Employees may tell their employer that they will vote against a Union but vote for it in a secret ballot because they think it is a better deal for them but fear reprisal if their true intent is known. Some people are more susceptable to bullying behavior than others and no one should make the decision to be represented (or not) out of fear.

By: Jeff S.

Jeff S. — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 19:17:19 +0000

Level the playing field. If signed cards by 50% of employees equals automatic recognition, then signed cards of 50% of employees represented by a Union should be sufficient for decertification or removal of representation of the Union without a vote or any other oversight or involvement by the Labor Board. Fair’s fair. Union’s want to see some stimulus for the working men and women they represent … cut their Union dues. This would have an immediate and tangible impact on EVERY worker they represent. Finally, unions rail about executive compensation … how about limiting the income of union leaders (even at the national level), from ALL sources being tied to the average compensation earned by the workers/members they represent … just like they’ve suggested.

By: LEU

LEU — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 19:09:46 +0000

Change we can believe in, indeed.

By: Richard

Richard — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 18:47:08 +0000

Don’t worry folks – with the rate this is going the government will be there to bail all of our companies. Let’s just print more money to pay the bills – it free isn’t it? This does not even deserve comment! What has happened to America?

By: MelanieB

MelanieB — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 18:38:43 +0000

All you have to do is take a look at the auto industry to see the effect unions can have if allowed to run unrestrained. I agree with you Bernice, unions had their place and time and it has passed. As an HR Manager, I am an employee advocate, but there have to be limits to how much burden a company can sustain before it collapses!

By: Lorie

Lorie — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 18:36:01 +0000

Jim, I hope you never apply at my company. I would rather shut the doors of our 3 companies than allow a union to dictate how we run our own business. Workers who are pro union are usually unmotivated, unambitious and need the shelter of the unions to keep their jobs regardless of performance. I would want to be employed because of my achievements and keep my job because of my performance than to hide behind a union for security. Frances & Bernice I appreciate the comments you made. Very well said.