The Employee Free Choice Act

Testimony Center - Big Labor's Agenda Is Bad for U.S. Workers and the Economy

“We have had a collective bargaining unit in our facility since 1936 and we have had an excellent working relationship with the union (IAM). That union representation was voted on by the employees in a secret ballot where they could vote their conscience without someone looking over their shoulder. The proposed Card Check legislation is counter to all that this country stands for with a free and democratic society whereby individuals can express themselves on important issues with a secret ballot. I strongly recommend that you (Congress) not support the proposed Card Check legislation.”

“We are opposed to the Card Check legislation. Our employees have an open door to management 100% of the time. Our country was founded on the secret ballot for all issues so no outside pressures can be placed on people for whatever they are voting for. This policy should remain the same.”

“All employees deserve the right to a secret ballot election to choose whether they are represented by a union organization. The only fair way to really determine an employee’s desire for representation is through a secret ballot election free from coercion or intimidation of any sort. Additionally, the current bill that proposes the immediate negotiation of a collective bargaining agreement is unrealistic given the reality of continuing to try and run a business and meet customer needs.”

“We have actually, in our history, gone through 3 elections, but the unions have never gained bargaining status thanks to the current rules that allow companies the right to argue their position prior to a secret ballot election. Removing or changing this procedure would tip the balance totally in favor of the union. I can’t imagine how anyone in Congress in today’s economic environment could justify voting for this.”

 

“I have worked for both unionized employers and non-union employers.  I can work with unions, some easier than others.  However, I can’t get past the idea of an employee losing their right to a secret ballot election.  People will sign representation cards because they are nice and don't like to say no.  Others will sign them because they are intimidated by the person who wants them to sign the card.  Others will sign the card to get the person who wants them to sign the card to quit pestering them.  Once the company is unionized, employees are forced to have an outside party intervene and stir up problems to justify their positions.  On top of that, they are forced to pay union dues or lose their jobs.  If there are abuses in the current process, go ahead and address those abuses, but DON’T take away a worker’s right to a secret ballot.”

 

I'm not a business owner, but I am an employee.  My vote for President is private.  My vote for Congress is private.  My choice whether or not to unionize my company should also be private.  The "card check” virtually eliminates the opportunity for discussion of the subject between employees and it allows unions to intimidate employees in order to get their signature. Not only is the Employee Free Choice Act unfair, it's also un-American.  This country is all about exploring opposing viewpoints and private ballots, where individuals are afforded the opportunity to vote based on their conscience, not what someone is persuading them to do.  Any step—no matter how small it may seem— away from those core values is a step away from the America we love, value, and treasure.  It's a step away from the America that people fought and died for.  It's a step away from the America that people come from all around the world to be a part of, and that makes this bill unacceptably dangerous.

 

Many years ago, I was manager of a manufacturing facility. I was presented with cards representing over 60% of the company employment.  Only three employees voted for union representation.  In conversations, I learned the union "organizers" had threatened employees and their families.  There is NO free choice involved. Keep the secret ballot to protect employees and employers!

 

The Employee Free Choice Act is just the opposite of its name. It takes away the employees individual freedom to vote in privacy. If this law is passed union bosses will use manipulation and scare tactics to "trick" workers into joining the union. This will send many businesses into bankruptcy and ultimately cost the public more money. For example, many truck drivers are unionizing, which forces companies to raise rates to compensate for the cost of the union. This will raise the cost on everything from bread to cars. This is NOT what we want, especially during these tough economic times. "Card Check" is a horrible idea and I can only assume that those persons who are in favor of it do not understand what the "Free Choice Act" truly entails nor do they understand its ramifications. I don't want to lose my right to vote in privacy, nor do I want anyone to be bullied into voting for a union!