Employee Free Choice Act Moves to the Full House

The Democratic majority on the House Education and Labor Committee voted Wednesday to approve the Employee Free Choice Act and send it to the full House even as Vice President Dick Cheney vowed that President Bush will veto it.

In addressing the anti-union National Association of Manufacturers this week, Cheney claimed the administration is only concerned about protecting the rights of workers by maintaining secret ballot elections in representation drives — a system NAM, its members and other businesses have illegally thwarted for decades.

"Dick Cheney concerned about the rights of workers — that's too funny," CWA President Larry Cohen said. "Let's be clear: The only thing this administration is concerned about is making sure that its big business friends can continue to threaten, intimidate and illegally fire union supporters with impunity."

The House committee vote was 26 to 19, with only Republicans voting against the bill. It calls for recognition based on majority authorization, first contract arbitration, if necessary, to prevent employers from dragging out the bargaining process, and stronger penalties for labor law violations.

While the bill proceeds in the House, it is gaining momentum nationwide. This week, the Baltimore City Council, at CWA's urging, was the latest municipality to adopt a resolution calling for passage of the Employee Free Choice Act. The council members voted unanimously to urge the Maryland congressional delegation to support the legislation.