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Secret Ballot Watch

States Continue Fighting Back Against Card Check

WASHINGTON, D.C., April 28, 2009 | Alexa Marrero ((202) 225-4527)
Two more states have taken steps to guarantee their citizens’ right to a secret ballot, a growing signal that state and local leaders are concerned by pending federal legislation to do away with such protections in the workplace.

Legislatures in Florida and Missouri have advanced measures that would guarantee the right to a secret ballot, part of a broader movement across the country that attempts to preempt the so-called Employee Free Choice Act, a bill proposed in the U.S. Congress that would effectively do away with secret ballots in workplace organizing elections.

The Missouri House endorsed the proposal on Monday:  

“The House has approved 83-74 a proposal that would require secret ballot in some elections, including those for unions.

“The resolution came about after debate about the federal Employee Free Choice Act, which would allow union organization through public petition rather than secret ballot.

“‘This resolution is not anti-union or pro-business; it’s about the foundation of our democracy,’ said sponsor Rep. Mike Cunningham, R-Rogersville.

“Rep. Shane Schoeller, R-Willard, said secret ballots should be a constitutional right.

“‘What are they afraid of?’ he asked. ‘Give every worker the chance to vote for this in the privacy of their own voting booth.’”

Moring, “Missouri House endorses anti-Employee Free Choice Act constitutional amendment,” St. Louis Post-Dispatch, 04.27.09 

Also on Monday, the Florida House approved a similar measure: 

“The House voted along party lines Monday for a 2010 ballot proposal intended to block a potential pro-union change in federal labor law.

“Majority Republicans, echoing business interests, contended the proposed state constitutional amendment would prevent worker harassment and intimidation by union and management bosses alike by requiring secret ballot elections on whether to form a union.

“Democrats, reflecting labor union arguments, said such elections result in management harassment, intimidation and firings of pro-union employees.

“The measure sponsored by Majority Leader Adam Hasner, R-Delray Beach, is intended to nullify a bill known as the Employee Free Choice Act that's been introduced but not yet passed by Congress.”

Kaczor, “Fla. House votes to block federal labor law change,” Associated Press, 04.27.09 

Both proposals could eventually be put to voters for final approval.

A vote by secret ballot.

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