Associated General Contractors Issue Alert: CARD

Oppose the Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA)

With the recess appointment of pro-EFCA attorney Craig Becker to the National Labor Relations Board the profile of Card Check has risen again in Washington, DC. The supporters of this "so-called" Employee Free Choice Act want to see a vote in Congress this year. In addition, there remains a groups of pro-EFCA Senators that claim to be working on some sort of potential compromise to the bill. Such ideas thought to be being considered as a compromise would be to use post-cards instead of secret ballot elections, so-called "quickie" elections, and increased access to the workplace by union organizers while restricting the rights of employers to speak with their employees. While it is unclear on the timing and whether or not there would be a vote on the curent bill and/or some sort of comprise, it is important that you let your views be known about this bill.

Background:

AGC opposes any compromise of EFCA. Dropping the card-check portion of the bill does not address the binding government mandated arbitration provision or the increased penalties on only businesses for unfair labor practices. Even a genuine and well intended proposal for a compromise could become a “Trojan horse” that EFCA’s proponents would simply use to sneak EFCA past a cloture vote in the Senate.

The bill will impose unrealistic deadlines for labor and management to meet and negotiate a first contract before mandating interference by government-appointed mediators and arbitrators. It would allow a third party to dictate wages, hours, and terms and conditions of employment, which constitutes excessive government interference into business relationships and contradicts the express purpose of the National Labor Relations Act.

Action Needed:

The barrier continues to be 60 senators voting to end cloture and move the EFCA bill. Please use the AGC below to send a letter to your members of congress in opposition to EFCA or any compromise. The top 7 Senate targets are in Arkansas, Colorado, Louisiana, North Carolina, Nebraska, Pennsylvania and Virginia.

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