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Important Legislative Updates from NPA:

Update on H.R. 800, "The Employee Free Choice Act"
[June 27, 2007]

Supporters of Card Check Bill Fall Short Of Votes Needed to Limit Senate Debate

Supporters of the proposed Employee Free Choice Act (H.R. 800/S. 1041) June 26 fell nine votes short of the 60 needed to limit Senate debate and proceed to final consideration of the bill, with Democrats and unions vowing to continue the fight for the legislation and the Bush administration, Republicans, and employer groups applauding the action to block the bill, according to the Bureau of National Affairs' Daily Labor Report.

The 51-48 vote was almost completely along party lines, with 48 Democrats, two Independents (Sens. Joseph Lieberman (Conn.) and Bernard Sanders (Vt.) ), and one Republican (Sen. Arlen Specter (Pa.) ) voting for the cloture motion and 48 Republicans voting against it. Sen. Tim Johnson (D-S.D.), who is recovering from a brain hemorrhage he suffered last year, did not vote. The result - a majority of the votes but not enough to invoke cloture - was anticipated by lobbyists on both sides of the issue. The legislation, which the House passed March 1 by a 241-185 vote, would give workers the option to choose union representation by signing authorization cards, with the National Labor Relations Board performing a card check and determining whether the union has majority support. The bill also would provide for mediation and arbitration if the parties fail to reach a first bargaining contract within certain time limits and would set tougher penalties for unfair labor practices committed during an organizing campaign or during bargaining for a first contract.

Thanks very much to those of you who contacted your senator to oppose this legislation, and for your continuing interest and assistance. We'll keep you informed on any future developments concerning this bill.

~ Marty Stein and Andrew Blair