http://www.theledger.com/article/20090504/NEWS/905045001?Title=Union-TruthsPublished: Monday, May 4, 2009 at 12:01 a.m.
Last Modified: Saturday, May 2, 2009 at 4:22 a.m.
Dr. Owen Sear's April 14 letter <"Don't Disguise Effort to Remove Secret Ballot for Union Affiliation"> promotes the idea that secret ballot voting for a union will be eliminated by the passage of the Employee Free Choice Act. This couldn't be farther from the truth.
If Dr. Sear would have "researched" this legislation, he would indeed learn that employees will still have the option of a secret ballot election. One of the things promoted by this legislation is that it would give employees the option of also voting by a majority sign-up. The "intimidation" that would be eliminated is the employer's intimidation of "threatening" to fire the employee or closing down the facility.
The Employee Free Choice Act further guarantees that companies cannot just "drag" their feet after an election. It would provide for mediation and/or binding arbitration to establish the union. It will also level the playing field by putting real penalties on companies that violate the law during organizing and contract campaigns.
In reality, the Employee Free Choice Act will establish an easier system to enable employees to form, join, or assist labor organizations and to provide for mandatory injunctions for unfair labor practices during organizing efforts.
Once again a Republican propaganda machine is at work to promote the demise of this much needed legislation. Labor unions have been the Republicans' Number One enemy. If Dr. Sear would look back on union history he would learn that unions have been and will continue to be employees' No. 1 ally. Without unions employees would have no recourse when it comes to an employer's intimidations. With unions employees' rights are preserved.
I therefore urge everyone who wishes to preserve employee rights to contact their congressmen to vote for passage of the Employee Free Choice Act. Without union representation this country is headed for a two class system: rich and poor.
LINDA LINDERMAN