WFI Responds To Obama Labor Board’s Ambush Elections
Federal Agency Issues Notice Of Proposed Rulemaking
Washington, D.C. – The Workforce Fairness Institute (WFI) today issued the following statement in response to the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) issuing a notice of proposed rulemaking in relation to “quickie” or “ambush” elections:
“President Obama’s National Labor Relations Board seeks immediate workplace elections to deprive employees the opportunity to hear all views related to unionization, while also denying employers the chance to express their point of view to workers. The only story the government and labor bosses want employees to hear is the union story. Consequently, the union will be able to make pie-in-the-sky promises and mislead employees in order to get their vote,” said Fred Wszolek, spokesperson for the Workforce Fairness Institute (WFI). “The proposed rule, like the former one, stacks the deck against employers by forcing a vote before all election issues have been resolved, such as the size and scope of the bargaining unit, and the eligibility to participate in the workplace vote. This would put enormous pressure on business owners and give Big Labor bosses a considerable advantage in the process. The Obama Board claims the new procedures are necessary due to delays, but the median time for all elections has remained steady and even earned praise from Board officials. This latest action by the NLRB is payback – plain and simple – to the union bosses who bankrolled President Obama’s campaigns, and will do nothing to help the economy grow and create jobs.”
BACKGROUND:
The National Labor Relations Board announced today that it is issuing proposed amendments to its rules and regulations governing representation-case procedures. In substance, the proposed amendments are identical to the representation procedure changes first proposed in June of 2011. A Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) will appear in the Federal Register tomorrow. The proposals are intended to enable the Board to more effectively administer the National Labor Relations Act. Specifically, the NPRM presents a number of changes to the Board’s representation case procedures aimed at modernizing processes, enhancing transparency and eliminating unnecessary litigation and delay. Issuance of the proposed rule was approved by Board Chairman Mark Gaston Pearce and Members Kent Y. Hirozawa and Nancy Schiffer. Board Members Philip A. Miscimarra and Harry I. Johnson III dissented.” (Public Affairs Office, “The National Labor Relations Board Proposes Amendments To Improve Representation Case Procedures,” National Labor Relations Board, 2/5/14)
The Workforce Fairness Institute is an organization committed to educating voters, employers, employees and citizens about issues affecting the workplace. To learn more, please visit: https://www.workforcefairness.com.
To schedule an interview with a Workforce Fairness Institute representative, please contact Lauren Zelt at (202) 677-7060.
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