NAM applauds senator's call for secret ballot elections in workplace

Manufacturing News, Source : The Manufacturer US
Published : 02 May 2007 15:45

WASHINGTON, D.C., May 2, 2007 – Speaking before members of the National Association of Manufacturers today, Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R–KY) outlined his vocal support of workplace rights and urged defeat of the misnamed Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA).

“The right of all Americans to cast their vote by private ballot is deeply rooted in the democratic tradition of our nation,” Senator McConnell said to NAM members during an issue briefing on EFCA. “Though some have tried to dilute this principle, it falls to the U.S. Senate to ensure this basic right is protected. We will not allow the progress already made on behalf of U.S. workers to be undone, nor will we allow coercion by employers or unions.”

The legislation, which passed the House by 241-185 vote on March 1 and has since moved to the Senate, would eliminate secret ballot elections when deciding whether or not to unionize. EFCA would also open the door to imposed binding interest arbitration on first contracts between an employer and the union, which is of particular concern for small and medium businesses.

NAM President John Engler welcomed the Senator’s remarks, adding that bypassing the voting booth “does nothing to promote the well-being of manufacturers’ greatest asset – their employees. However, it does take away an employee’s freedom of choice and their right to make important decisions in private.” Referencing recent polling data conducted by McLaughlin & Associates, Engler noted that nearly 9 of 10 voters-(87 percent) agree that workers should have the right to a federally supervised secret ballot election when deciding to organize a union.

“The NAM strongly contests this affront to workplace rights,” Engler added. “I urge all members of the Senate to also oppose this bill.”

-NAM-

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