UAW says both EFCA labor law, NLRB important

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.reuters.com/article/Autos09/idUSTRE5A24SB20091103

Tue Nov 3, 2009 2:08pm EST

DETROIT (Reuters) - Obama administration appointments to a key labor board are important to labor's agenda, but they do not diminish pending legislation that would make it easier for unions to organize, the president of the United Auto Workers said on Tuesday.

"I'm glad to have a president (Barack Obama) in there that is making some appointments that make sense," Gettelfinger told the Reuters Auto Summit about two Democratic nominees to the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB).

Labor's primary agenda centers on a bill that would make it easier for unions to become established. But with action on the Employee Free Choice Act or "card check" looking less likely this year, there is closer interest in the NLRB appointments.

Democrats, considered friendly to labor, would hold a one-seat majority on the five-member panel if the administration's three appointees are confirmed by the Senate. One Democrat and one Republican are already seated.

A Republican procedural maneuver has blocked a vote on the matter for the moment. The three nominations moved out of committee to the full Senate on October 21.

The NLRB oversees union elections and settles organizing disputes. Unions believe the advantages of a Democratic majority could be magnified if the broader legislative proposal to change labor law stalls.

FULL story at link.