Senate Vote: Employee Free Choice Act
Summary: Allows workers to choose whether to form a union in an atmosphere free from employer coercion
Result: Cloture Motion Failed
A vote for cloture was counted as a + vote (in line with LCCR's position)
View individual member votes on this bill by state:
Bill Name: Employee Free Choice Act of 2007
Bill Number: H.R. 800
Issue: Labor/Working Families
Date: 06/26/07
Roll Call No. 227
This bill would require employers to recognize unions whenever a majority of employees sign petitions reflecting their desire to form a union.
It further establishes mediation and arbitration in first-contract disputes at newly organized employers and provides additional damages for employees who experience retaliation because of their support for a union.
LCCR supported this bill because it would restore the freedom of workers to choose whether to form a union in an atmosphere free from employer coercion.
Against a backdrop of intimidation and other improper tactics to undermine union support in the time period leading up to a secret ballot election, affording employees the right to choose a union through signing a petition is the only means to ensure they can express their free choice.
Furthermore, this bill addresses employer tactics that also frustrate the desire of employees to be represented by a union. Employers frequently delay and ultimately refuse to come to terms on first contracts. This bill provides mechanisms to ensure a first contract is reached.
The bill also increases penalties for unlawful discipline in retaliation for union support – a tactic which in the past employers have readily engaged in because penalties have been too slight.
Result: The motion to invoke cloture fell short of the necessary 60 votes (51-48).
