Labor unions: Vote is sacred

Florida Times-Union

“Try as they might, unions should be having a difficult time selling a key feature of their misnamed Employee Free Choice Act. The act would allow unions to dispense with secret ballots if they accumulate signed cards from a majority of the workers. They still have today's option of a secret election, but it's doubtful that would ever happen. Why risk it? What the unions portray as leveling the playing field actually tilts it their way. The bill could more accurately be described as the Meaningless Vote Act, since votes wouldn't be needed. Card checks would be public, thus exposing workers to pressure from both sides. As it now stands, a worker may sign a card to allow an election and then vote his conscience in private. Card check makes an employee's wishes public, thus becoming an invitation for intimidation. Card check is not the only egregious element in the proposed bill. Another item would require companies and newly certified unions to enter mediation, followed by binding arbitration, if they cannot reach agreement on a contract after just 90 days of negotiations … If Nelson intends to represent his right to work state, then he needs to oppose this law as it is currently written. A secret ballot should be ensured. Mediation and arbitration should not be mandatory. And penalties should be assessed equitably. This is bad law. But it also will be bad politics if the Democrats go through with this. Every fair-minded person should be appalled. No matter what your opinion is of unions, the proposal to bypass secret votes ought to stir opposition.”