WASHINGTON -- Michigan's House delegation voted mostly along partisan lines on a bill that would make it easier for workers to start unions against the wishes of companies. þþThe state's six Democrats joined with Republican Rep. Thaddeus McCotter of Livonia last week to support the bill, which would remove the right of employers to require secret-ballot elections by workers before unions can be recognized. þþÿIf the majority of employees want to be represented by a union, they should have the right to do so,ÿ said Rep. John Dingell, D-Dearborn. ÿLabor unions stand for decent wages and benefits and safe working conditions.ÿ þþThe measure, also known as the card check bill, would certify a union when a majority of workers at a plant signed cards authorizing it. Currently, employers can require elections, overseen by the National Labor Relations Board, on whether a union should be recognized. þþEight Republicans in the delegation opposed the bill, saying it amounted to little more than political payback to union bosses for helping Democrats recapture control of Congress. þþMany opponents said it violated democratic principles and would lead to organizers intimidating workers into signing the cards. þþÿWorkers should not be pressured in their decision to choose union representation by either a union or their employer,ÿ said Rep. Pete Hoekstra, R-Holland. þþHoekstra said it would eliminate ÿthe ability of employees to freely choose by publicly exposing their vote to union officials, employers and their fellow employees.ÿ þþThe bill passed 241-185 in the House, but fell short of the two-thirds majority that would be needed to overturn a veto. þþIt may not advance much further than the House. Senate Republicans have said they will block the bill and the White House says President Bush will veto the legislation if it clears Congress. þþ
Source: Chicago Tribune
