By now, news of the card check compromise that
never was has spread far and wide. Yet despite the
denials of key backers in Congress, it may be worth exploring the details of this phantom proposal. While this alleged compromise may not be ripe today, workers and employers deserve to know what may be coming. An editorial in today’s
Wall Street Journal takes a look:
“Mr. Specter's revised bill would accomplish the same goals as the old ‘card check’ by slightly different means. He said a new proposal negotiated among a small group of Senators, yet to be unveiled, drops the provision to end the secret-ballot in union elections. In place of this proposal to automatically unionize if more than half the employees sign union cards, they are proposing an election within a week or so of a minority of employees petitioning for a union. This shotgun vote is intended to deny employees the kind of educated choice that comes with a proper discussion of the merits of unionization informed by both management and labor.
“The new old ‘card check,’ according to Mr. Specter, also gives unions unprecedented access to the workplace and meetings between employers and employees before a vote to unionize. Last we checked the Constitution, even in the age of Obama private companies haven't signed away their property rights.
“An equally problematic binding arbitration provision stays in. This idea would let a federal arbitrator impose a contract if the employer and a newly organized union aren't able to agree within three months. In other words, a government-sponsored agent would decide what salaries and benefits management will have to pay its employees. Throw in the expanded access to company property, and this so-called compromise bill may be worse than the original.”
Editorial, “A Gift for Labor,” Wall Street Journal, 09.17.09
Replacing one bad idea with another – or several – is not the definition of compromise. The proposal offered by Senator Specter still tramples workers’ rights. It still unfairly tilts the playing field in favor of a special interest constituency. And it still puts government bureaucrats in charge of vital worker benefits and business operations.
Thankfully for workers, it also still does not have the votes to become law. Let’s hope it stays that way.
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