Secret Ballot Watch

Less than a month into the 111th Congress and it appears the countdown to card check may be over. Various news outlets are reporting that special interest groups will overtake the U.S. Capitol tomorrow in an effort to persuade Members of Congress to support legislation that would deny workers’ right to a secret ballot. Of course, these are the same groups plotting a spin campaign and waging a multi-million dollar effort to convince the American people that they should give up their right to vote privately in union elections, free from intimidation or public pressure, and instead support a public sign-up process known as card check.

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"Labor leaders are kicking off their campaign for card-check legislation Wednesday in advance of the bill's introduction in the House, which could come in the next few weeks, sources said Monday.

"Democrats haven't decided the date for reintroducing the bill, a Democratic aide said, but said it would be in 'days, weeks.' A labor union official said the legislation, which would make it easier to form a union by eliminating a company's ability to demand a secret-ballot election to prove support for organizing -- would likely be introduced before the end of the month. …

"Wednesday's Capitol Hill event is the kickoff to similar campaigns from the unions, who have been hiring staff and spending money to mobilize grassroots supporters in the states."

Hunt, “With Card-Check Bill On Way, Unions Ramp Up Efforts,” Congress Daily, 02.03.09 (subscription required)

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Is it possible that Democrats could introduce the anti-worker card check legislation as early as tomorrow? And could this be the lead up to a vote in the House on a plan that 74% of Americans oppose?

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