Today, Republican Workforce Leaders on the Education and Labor Committee, Rep. Virginia Foxx (R-NC) and Rep. Tim Walberg (R-MI), sent a letter to National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) Chairman John Ring and General Counsel Peter Robb expressing concerns with Democrat demands to require the Board to hold union elections electronically. Regrettably, union bosses and their allies in Congress are using the COVID-19 pandemic to advance a long-desired scheme that would make it easier to force more workers into union representation while threatening their personal privacy.
In the letter Reps. Foxx and Walberg write:“Calls for the NLRB to conduct elections through electronic voting appear to be little more than another attempt to change the rules in favor of organized labor, against workers who wish to represent themselves, and against employers who wish to negotiate directly with their employees.”The Members continue:“…unions could increase operational transparency and accountability to workers to serve their members better or dedicate more resources to organizing, rather than trying to rig the existing system. Nevertheless, it is clear that in-person, secret-ballot voting is the most reliable method for elections of any kind, and we strongly encourage the NLRB to ensure that all union elections under its jurisdiction be conducted in this manner to ensure a free and fair process.”
BACKGROUND: On March 19, 2020, the NLRB made a prudent decision to suspend all elections for two weeks to ensure the health and safety of workers, union and company personnel, and NLRB staff. The NLRB resumed elections on April 6, 2020. Congressional Democrats are now using the COVID-19 pandemic as an excuse to call for legislation allowing the Board to hold union elections electronically.
To read the full letter sent to Chairman Ring and General Counsel Robb, click here.
