Transcript of Specter interview on card check

[Omaha Steve]

http://blog.pennlive.com/politics/2009/05/transcript_of_specter_intervie.html

Posted by LAURA VECSEY, Of The Patriot-News Thursday May 14, 2009, 5:45 PM
Categories: Arlen Specter
Here is the extended version of Arlen Specter's comments on the Employee Free Choice Act, which he was asked about Thursday in an interview with the Associated Press.


AS: On labor law I'm seeing if we can find a compromise on employee's choice. But relations with labor has been very, very strong where I've been with them on just about everything: minimum wage raise, unemployment compensation extending the time, arguments before the International Trade Commission - got a request from Leo Girard of the Steel Workers to appear for them on a June ITC argument which is very important.

I know employee's choice is a big issue and yesterday I met with a number of labor leaders, talking to the Senators about it, and I'm hard at work to try to find some way to find an answer.

As you know, I'm on record as favoring labor law reform for a long time. I chaired the appropriations subcommittee and saw how dysfunctional the NLRB was. I've acknowledged jobs being sent overseas, problems on pension and healthcare, but nonetheless I know employee's choice is big and, as I say, I'm working on it.

AP: In what areas are you willing to compromise on that one?

AS: That does not lend itself to a short answer. And it's not advisable to start talking about compromises; that's something for negotiations.

KH: Do you expect at some point that you guys will reach a resolution on that?

AS: I think the prospects are pretty good. It's impossible to predict with certainty, but I think the prospects are pretty good.

[Earth Bound Misfit]

1. This is the "EXTENDED" Version?

"I know employee's choice is big and, as I say, I'm working on it."

Ohh, I feel MUCH better now that I know that SNARLIN' Arlen is on the case. :sarcasm: