News Archives
December 2, 2011
House of Representatives Passes Bill Seeking to Stall Union Election Process
NLRB Moves Forward With Rules to Shorten Deadlines for Union Elections to Occur
On Wednesday, November 30, 2011, the NLRB voted to move forward on rules to streamline and update the pace of union elections. However, at the same time, the House of Representatives was moving forward with a bill to do exactly the opposite. The NLRB voted 2-1 in favor of a revised proposal that would simplify procedures and shorten deadlines for holding union elections after employees at a work site gather enough signatures. NLRB Chairman Mark Pearce said the changes are needed because current rules "are laden with unnecessary delays." The final rule still needs to be approved.
Also on Wednesday, the House of Representatives approved H.R. 3094 aimed at short-circuiting the NLRB rules. The bill, which passed by a 235-188 vote is unlikely to be considered by the Senate. Only 8 Republicans in the nation voted against the bill, including three from New Jersey. H.R. 3094 would trump the NLRB rule by delaying elections for at least 35 days. The New Jersey Congressional Delegation voted as follows:
Cong. Andrews (D-1): RIGHT Cong. Pascrell (D-8): RIGHT
Cong. LoBiondo (R-2): RIGHT Cong. Rothman (D-9): RIGHT
Cong. Runyan (R-3): RIGHT Cong. Payne (D-10): RIGHT
Cong. Smith (R-4): RIGHT Cong. Frelinghuysen (R-11): WRONG
Cong. Garrett (R-5): WRONG Cong. Holt (D-12): RIGHT
Cong. Pallone (D-6): RIGHT Cong. Sires (D-13): RIGHT
Cong. Lance (R-7): WRONG
The NJ State AFL-CIO thanks those Members that voted “right” and in support of workers’ rights to organize. If you have any questions or require additional information, please contact us at 609-989-8730.