CDW Letter on Compromise

CDW Members: Today’s New York Times reports that a small group of Senate Democrats may be close to agreeing upon new version of EFCA, which would be introduced under the guise of “compromise” despite being nothing more than re-packaged EFCA. The Times report states that new EFCA would not contain the existing version of card-check, but instead allow for “quickie” elections and workplace access for union organizers while still presumably foisting binding interest arbitration on employers and employees. Read the entire article here.

In response to the Times story, SEIU head Andy Stern has stated that “we expect a vote on a majority signup provision in the final bill or by amendment in both houses of Congress."

Compromise=EFCA……or worse…..

These EFCA variations have been floated in the past and CDW has effectively pushed back on these proposals as nothing more than a repackaging of EFCA. While proponents of EFCA have started to advance what they deem to be “reasonable” alternatives to card-check, it is crucial that CDW members remember that “compromise” is simply a legislative trick to get to 60 votes in the Senate. After cloture has been invoked on a “compromise” bill, EFCA supporters can insert card-check as an amendment on the Senate floor, or simply wait until the conference committee with the House to make the changes they want.

The House can pass EFCA, as is, whenever the Speaker decides to do so. Therefore, EFCA looms over any debate on “labor law reform” much like the sword hanging tenuously over the head of Damocles, effectively eliminating the possibility of serious debate on the subject.

CDW Talking Points

Please see the attached TPs that address proposals such as “quickie” elections and workplace access. Also helpful is CDW’s letter to the Senate, dated May 6 of this year, which outlines the serious problems with proposals for the alternative versions of EFCA. You can read that letter here.

Remember, NO on cloture, NO on compromise. Keep up the good work and we’ll keep you updated with any new developments.

Brian Worth

Independent Electrical Contractors, Inc

VP for Government and Public Affairs