Corporate-Backed, Anti-Union ‘Secret Ballot’ Measures Pass in Four States

[Omaha Steve]

http://blog.aflcio.org/2010/11/04/corporate-backed-anti-union-secret-ballot-measures-pass-in-four-states/

by James Parks, Nov 4, 2010

While most voters were focused on the economy in Tuesday’s elections, a corporate front group slipped in constitutional amendments in four states—Arizona, South Carolina, South Dakota and Utah—in an orchestrated attempt to pre-empt the proposed federal Employee Free Choice Act. If enacted, the Employee Free Choice Act would give workers more options when they consider joining a union.



The four so-called “Secret Ballot” Amendments all contained similar language. For example, the Arizona measure, known as Prop. 113, would “guarantee” the right to vote by secret ballot in “elections for public office or public votes on initiatives or referenda, or designations or authorizations of employee representation.”

The most recent version of the Employee Free Choice Act (H.R. 1409, S. 560) was introduced last year and has languished in Congress. In 2007, the measure passed the House but failed to clear procedural hurdles in the Senate.

The four amendments were backed by Save Our Secret Ballot, a Las Vegas-based organization whose national advisory board is filled with former Republican members of Congress, Republican state elected officials and representatives of conservative think tanks like the Heritage Foundation and the Goldwater Institute.

FULL story at link.

[Roma]

1. I would hardly call it slipped in here in Arizona

The proponents of the initiative had a well funded and very effective ad campaign. It's not like we didn't hear about it. Hell, I believe we heard more about this than about McCain.

I don't recall one word from any union opposition. Bad job by them.

[OHdem10]

2. These jerks know our economy is going to be a sorry mess for

a long long time. The pay is going to steadily drop.

Of course they will protect business from those terrible
unions.

[nadinbrzezinski]

3. Workers better learn from history

because that is where we are going

Oh and they want to do this in the US House.

[humpty dumpty]

4. Secret Ballot

I believe most Americans want their voting to be by secret ballot, rather than a show-of-hands. Especially in the workplace.

[Omaha Steve]

5. Have you ever been fired for union organizing?

I have: http://www.nlrb.gov/shared_files/Board%20Decisions/261/261-38.pdf

Card check is not a show of hands. It is legal now. It works. Most employers don't recognize card check and force an election. Card check is verified by an indpendent so the company and union don't know who signed.

Next time look into an issue before taking sides with the company.

EFCA facts: http://www.aflcio.org/joinaunion/voiceatwork/efca/

[readmoreoften]

6. I have. And that's why I agree with you. No secret ballots.

Ours were stuffed by the anti-union administration.

[Omaha Steve]

7. Sorry if I was a little rough

Many people buy the corporate line that don't know anything about the issues of organized labor. That is just what happened in these 4 states.