ACTION NEEDED NOW ON EMPLOYEE FREE CHOICE ACT
- CONTACT YOUR SENATORS -
The Employee Free Choice Act would eliminate an employer's right
to request a secret ballot election when a majority of employees
sign union cards. It would also impose binding arbitration if no
agreement is reached on a first contract. Employers who want to
protect their writes must act now.
There are very strong indications that a "compromise" on the
"Employee Free Choice Act" is getting close to fruition. The
details of the "compromise" are not known, but it appears to be
supported by organized labor. I understand that discussions are
being held this week among Senators Tom Harkin (D-IA), Diane
Feinstein (D-CA), Mark Pryor (D-AR), Arlen Specter (D-PA) and
Chuck Schumer (D-NY). As you know, the bill could pass if all
Democrats get on board. Opponents of the legislation are urging
communications ASAP with your senators. Any letters we can
generate would be helpful. I'd target all Senators at this
point.
At this point, calls or e-mails would be best. Here is the link
to the contact information and please use the provided webform
on the following website:
http://www.senate. gov/general/ contact_informat ion/senators_
cfm.cfm
You may want to copy and paste the following in the Message Box,
but...
BE SURE TO ENTER YOUR SPECIFIC COMPANY INFORMATION
(COPY/PASTE)
Dear Senator ...
I am writing to oppose the "Employee Free Choice Act" (S 560).
This legislation would deny employees the right to vote in
private whether they wish to be represented by a union. The
measure overturns the decades-long right to a secret ballot
election supervised by the National Labor Relations Board
(NLRB).
The secret ballot is used in democracies throughout the world to
protect against coercion and peer pressure. Replacing a private
vote with a "card check" system is analogous to electing public
officials by petition alone. The value of a secret ballot
process was demonstrated in Congress during recent leadership
elections when elections were held in private. Employees deserve
the same right.
Proponents of the legislation contend that the current election
process, which is conducted by a public agency (NLRB), is
flawed. But the solution they seek is to replace that supervised
process with one that invites coercion and peer pressure.
The legislation also includes a requirement for binding
arbitration if negotiations on a contract stall. Decisions on
pay, work rules and leave could then be mandated without
agreement by either employees or management. Such an arbitration
provision would result in each side taking extreme positions and
will reduce effective bargaining.
I also urge you to consider proposed alternatives very
carefully. Many of the suggested "compromises" could still
result in coercion or prevent an effective, meaningful vote by
employees. Shortened time frames prior to critical elections
will especially disadvantage small businesses which are not
experienced in labor matters.
I urge you to vote against this legislation that runs counter to
democratic values by denying a "free choice" to employees to
make decisions in private.
Sincerely,
(END COPY/PASTE)
BE SURE TO ENTER YOUR SPECIFIC COMPANY INFORMATION BEFORE
SUBMITTING YOUR ONLINE MESSAGE!
**********
The NCISS Legislative Committee continues to keep you updated on
pending legislation and new bills that threaten the
investigative and security profession.
Don't forget to attend the NCISS Hit the Hill Campaign in
Washington, DC September 24th. You can get detailed information
on this and other events by going to
www.nciss.org.
Remember, your donations are critical to our mission and
continued success. Contributions in any amount are greatly
appreciated and may be sent to:
NCISS Legislative Fund
7501 Sparrows Point Blvd.
Baltimore, Maryland 21219
Thank you for your continued loyalty and support.
Sincerely,
Jimmie Mesis, NCISS Legislative Chairman
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