IAM International President Tom Buffenbarger has sent a letter to the U.S. House of Representatives urging lawmakers to vote “no” on a GOP-sponsored bill aimed at delaying and ultimately preventing union representation elections.
The so-called Workforce Democracy and Fairness Act (HR 3094) would give employers more opportunities to thwart workers’ efforts to unionize by causing unnecessary delay.
“This anti-worker legislation should be called the ‘Election Prevention Act,’” wrote Buffenbarger. “This bill was introduced in direct response to the National Labor Relations Board’s (NLRB) proposed rule to minimize undue delay in union elections. Instead of minimizing delay, HR 3094 mandates it.”
HR 3094 imposes no limit on how long an election can be delayed as a result of frivolous employer claims, challenges and litigation. It restricts opportunities for workers to receive information from unions – but does nothing to curb the employer’s opportunities to inundate their employees with anti-union propaganda and threats of discharge. The bill also encourages “gerrymandering” and the manipulation of 75-year-old NLRB procedures for deciding who is in a bargaining unit.
“Delay gives employers more time to use any means, legal or illegal, to pressure employees into abandoning their organizing efforts,” wrote Buffenbarger. “I ask that you oppose this latest attack on workers’ rights by voting ‘NO’ to the ‘Election Prevention Act.’”
