Labor board approves controversial union election rule in 2-1 vote

[RandySF]

The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) voted Wednesday to move forward with portions of a controversial union election rule after the board’s lone Republican member showed up to register his opposition.

The two Democratic members of the labor board, Chairman Mark Pearce and Craig Becker, voted to advance the proposal, while Brian Hayes, a Republican, voted no.

The wildcard of Wednesday’s vote was Hayes, who has threatened to resign over the union election rule. Speculation swirled this week that Hayes might torpedo Wednesday’s action by making good on his threat to quit, or by simply refusing to participate.

The labor board is now expected to finalize the rule.

The NLRB proposal has attracted widespread attention in Washington and in the business world. Labor unions say it would help reduce delays in union elections, but business groups argue it gives employers little time to talk to their employees about unionization before a vote takes place.


http://thehill.com/business-a-lobbying/196323-labor-board-moves-forward-with-controversial-union-election-rule