Quickie Union Elections: 'Cutting' NLRB Regulations, Obama-Style

Submitted by Anonymous on August 24, 2011 - 5:50pm

A conservative group is marshaling forces against a National Labor Relations Board proposal to "streamline" rules for holding union representation elections.

The Americans for Prosperity Foundation says the new rules would force "ambush" elections on employers in as little as 10 days.

The Democratic-controlled NLRB says it wants to improve the election process, with chairwoman Wilma Liebman, a former union lawyer, asserting that the proposed changes will reduce unnecessary litigation, streamline pre- and post-election procedures, and facilitate the use of electronic communications and document filing.

The AFL-CIO applauds the NLRB, saying it "welcomes your rule to improve the process for working people trying to form unions."

Business groups say the real goal is to stage "quickie elections" that deny employers sufficient opportunity to present their case.

"This rule change threatens jobs and workplace harmony," says Phil Kerpen, vice president of policy at the AFP Foundation.

The NLRB is accepting public comments through Sept. 6, and AFP Foundation offers this link to do so online.

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