The Chamber

Although the debate about the deceptively named Employee Free Choice Act, or “card check” legislation has been overshadowed in recent weeks by the health care and cap and trade debates, there is little doubt that union leaders continue to pressure the U.S. House and Senate to pass this highly controversial legislation – or some type of unacceptable compromise. Contact your U.S. Representative and Senator now to voice your opposition!

The Card Check legislation is being promoted by organized labor as labor law reform to level the playing field. However, it does not represent reform in any sense of the word. Rather, the legislation will radically restructure 60 years of carefully crafted labor law balances that have served both unions and employers well for many decades.

In virtually all cases, this legislation would eliminate the use of elections in union organizing campaigns. In fact, under the Card Check bill, if more than 50 percent of workers at a facility sign a card, the government would have to certify the union, and a private ballot election would be prohibited -- even if workers want one. In addition, the Card Check Bill would mandate compulsory, binding arbitration on the employer and the employees as part of the collective bargaining process; restrict an employer's ability to communicate to employees about the workplace issues involved in the union organizing drive; and create new fines against employers for an expanded list of unfair labor practices.

Although some elected officials have discussed compromising on this bill, there can be no compromise on fatally defective, radical legislation that would threaten the private ballot, impose any form of binding interest arbitration, or impose unfair, one-sided penalties.

With your help, we think we can continue to block this legislation. However, it is critical that all members of Congress hear from you today!