NYT: Lines Shift a Bit on a Senate Labor Bill

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/07/business/07union.html?ref=politics

By STEVEN GREENHOUSE
Published: May 6, 2009

As labor leaders and Senate Democrats work intensely to cobble together 60 votes in the Senate to salvage a bill that would make it easier to unionize, the lines of possible compromises are taking shape.

Several Democrats have voiced opposition to the bill’s “card check” provision, which would generally require employers to recognize a union as soon as a majority of employees signed cards supporting it.

While most Democrats back the bill, an all-out lobbying effort by business has helped persuade several Democrats to oppose it. Labor complains that under current law companies often intimidate workers into voting against unions during lengthy antiunion campaigns. But businesses object that card check would bypass secret ballot elections and allow union organizers to bully workers into signing cards.

To win more support and prevent any intimidation, Senate Democrats are considering a proposal pushed by Senator Dianne Feinstein, the California Democrat. In a procedure similar to the early voting that precedes elections in many states, workers could sign cards and mail them to the National Labor Relations Board. If a majority mailed cards, the board would order the employer to recognize the union, as it now does when a majority of workers vote for a union through secret ballots.

To obtain a filibuster-proof 60 votes in the Senate, the bill’s supporters would need the support of all 57 Democrats, the two independents — and at least one other senator, perhaps Al Franken of Minnesota, if he is seated.

Tom Harkin of Iowa, the bill’s chief sponsor in the Senate with Edward M. Kennedy of Massachusetts, has held intense talks in recent days with several Democrats, including Ms. Feinstein and Arlen Specter of Pennsylvania, who recently left the Republican Party.

FULL story at link.