Secret Ballot Watch

It seems the citizens of the labor-friendly Keystone State are not crazy about the card check scheme, which would impose public sign-up for unionization and limit workers’ and employers’ ability to negotiate contracts and work rules.

A new poll finds that Pennsylvanians oppose the measure, also known as the Employee Free Choice Act, by a 55-29 percent margin.

Proving that the debate transcends politics, even Democrats oppose it by a 44-37 percent margin, according to the poll of 700 registered voters by Susquehanna Polling and Research Inc.

Here’s what Susquehanna President James Lee said about the results:  

“Even in a blue-collar state like Pennsylvania, with strong ties to organized labor, this poll shows that Pennsylvanians are more concerned about the impact this bill could have on the worsening job climate than making it easier for unions to organize."

Bumsted, “Poll: Pennsylvanians Oppose ‘Card Check’ Legislation,” Pittsburgh Tribune Review, 06.09.09 

Lee is right about Pennsylvania having strong ties to organized labor. The AFL-CIO says there are 847,000 union members living there. That’s the fourth highest union population nationwide, behind California, New York, and Illinois.

So in theory, card check should be as popular in Pennsylvania as the Super Bowl champion Pittsburgh Steelers.

But it’s not, for several good reasons: Card check eliminates the secret ballot, a proven method to organize; it leaves workers open to intimidation and harassment from union organizers or management; and, if a contract can’t be reached, the government essentially takes over the business for two years.

Plus, as Lee noted, many businesses could shut down or shed jobs if EFCA is enacted because of higher labor and legal costs.

That’s something to consider when the national unemployment rate is currently 9.4 percent. Pennsylvanians understand this. Why can’t card check supporters in Congress?

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