Employee Free Choice Act: What the Bill Would Do

The Employee Free Choice Act is designed to restore the badly eroded rights of workers to organize unions and bargain collectively. Here are the highlights:

• Majority Sign-Up: If a majority of workers in a proposed bargaining unit sign cards indicating they want representation, the National Labor Relations Board would require the employer to recognize the union, ending the pattern of employer threats, harassment and firings that commonly precede union elections.

• First Contract Mediation and Arbitration: A remedy to employers' stalling tactics, this provision would allow either the union or employer to seek federal mediation if a contract hasn't been reached after 90 days of bargaining. If mediation is unsuccessful after 30 days, the parties would be subject to binding arbitration.

• Stronger Penalties for Violations: Employers who willfully and repeatedly violate workers' rights during organizing and bargaining would face civil fines up to $20,000 per violation, plus triple back pay for workers who have been illegally fired or discriminated against during union campaigns.