Stop Card Check from threatening Right to Work States

Today, the Card Check Forced Unionism Bill (otherwise known as the Employee Free Choice Act) was proposed both in the House and Senate. Right now, it looks uncertain if this bill, which will force every worker to be placed on record for their votes on whether they want to join a union or not, is headed anywhere, but there has been a considerable amount of indecision from many members on how they will vote. With the 2010 elections weighing on the minds of many members who are facing re-election, there has not been much noise on which position they will take. These legislators include: Sen. Mary Landrieu (D-LA), Sen. Blanche Lincoln (D-AR), and Sen. Arlen Specter (Liberal Lite-PA). If this disastrous legislation is passed and signed into law, it will basically threaten the current Right to Work law in Virginia, in addition to other RTW states.

Here in Virginia, this proposed legislation is not going over well with Bob McDonnell, who is running for Governor, and Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling. Both released statements showing that they do not support such legislation, which would inhibit the freedoms of the worker. McDonnell said, “”I have come to say today this is not good for Virginia, this is not good for our free enterprise system… We don’t want to turn Virginia into southern Michigan.” [Source].

Bolling released this statement:

“Today, Congressional Democrats took a significant step toward weakening
businesses and jeopardizing jobs in Virginia by introducing the Employee
Free Choice Act, or Card Check. If Card Check is approved, it could make it
much easier for businesses to become unionized and it could take away one of
the most important rights that workers currently enjoy – the right to vote
in a secret ballot before their workplace can be unionized.

“The secret ballot has always been a very important part of elections in our
country. To take that right away from workers would be a terrible mistake
and it could result in widespread union activity unlike anything we have
seen in the past. In short, this is a horrible idea that will adversely
affect the ability of business to adapt to a changing economic environment,
to save existing jobs and to create desperately needed new jobs. This is
especially concerning given the challenges currently facing Virginia
business and industry.

“Introduction of Card Check comes on the heels of disturbing actions by
state Democrats to undermine Virginia’s right-to-work law. In January, all
three candidates for Governor and two candidates for Lieutenant Governor
marched in a union picket line against the Crystal City Hilton hotel. That
march took place at the same time state and local officials were working to
recruit the Hilton Hotels national headquarters to Northern Virginia.
Additionally, during the recent General Assembly session, Senate Democrats
killed legislation to include the right-to-work in the Constitution of
Virginia.

“Clearly, the right-to-work and the ability of businesses to maintain and
create new jobs is under attack in Washington and Richmond. I feel that our
representatives in Congress and the citizens of Virginia should be fully
aware of the consequences of the Card Check legislation. I strongly
encourage Virginia’s Senators and Congressmen to oppose this unfair, job
killing legislation.”

Maybe, it is time for Congress and President Obama to listen to those here in Virginia and other Right to Work states that forced unionism is a wrong choice for American workers and the economy. We should have a choice whether or not to join a union without being forced on the record, like this proposed legislation indicates. Contact your elected officials today and urge them to vote NO on the Employee Free Choice Act.