NLBMDA News - Rumors Continue to Fly on Card Check

Senators speaking to union conferences last week continued to assert that support is building for a so-called "compromise" that may remove the card check component of the "Employee Free Choice Act" but still make it easier for employees to form a union by limiting the time for employers to respond and still including dangerous binding arbitration requirements. Read more.

NLBMDA News - Card Check Negotiations Given New Life By Franken's Arrival

Sen. Al Franken (D-MN) was finally sworn in to the U.S. Senate on July 9, giving the Democrats the 60-vote block they need to override procedural hurtles on controversial legislation such as the so-called "Employee Free Choice Act" (H.R.1409/S.560). While several key Democrats continue to hold firm in opposition to the card check legislation as currently written, Sen. Tom Harkin (D-IA) continues to press for support of a "compromise" that will garner enough votes to bring the legislation to the Senate floor before the end of the month. Dealers who are concerned about legislation that undermines the employee-employer bargaining relationship should visit www.BuildtheVote.org to remind your Senators to hold firm in opposition to card check legislation in any form. Source.

NLBMDA News - Specter Floats Card Check "Compromises"

As expected, Sen. Arlen Specter (D-PA) has proposed several so-called "compromise" ideas to overcome the challenge of securing the necessary 60 votes to advance card check legislation in the Senate. One Specter proposal would allow mail-in union authorization cards, which theoretically protect workers' privacy in making their decision. In reality, the NLRB has already expressed concerns about the potential for interference and lower participation rates by potential voters than in secret ballot elections.

Specter's second proposal would include "last best offer" arbitration, in which arbitrators would impose contracts after comparing the employer's offer to other union contracts, not to nonunion counterparts. Dealers in Pennsylvania are encouraged to contact Sen. Specter ASAP to let him know that neither suggestion offers reasonable protection to workers and employers. Visit Build the Vote to send an email or print a letter to fax on your company letterhead.