Employee Free Choice Act Would Be Detrimental to Georgia
Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA) Re-Introduced: Rights of Employers and Employees Threatened by "Card Check" Legislation
Today in Washington, the rights of Georgia employees to a secret ballot vote are in danger. This is not only a threat to democracy, but to the solvency of businesses throughout our state and nation.
If passed, the Employee Free Choice Act will be detrimental to our companies and our communities. A study released in March estimates that for every 1.5 million new union members, 600,000 jobs will be lost due to increased costs forced upon employers.
As Georgia Chamber members, we must work together to ensure that this terrible legislation does not pass. Here are just a few reasons why:
- The EFCA or "card check" legislation as currently written would effectively take away an employee's right to a secret ballot during a union organizing campaign, leaving them vulnerable to intimidation by union leaders.
- EFCA would pre-empt Georgia's right-to-work law, which has provided our state a competitive advantage in attracting new business.
- Employers would be stripped of their right to share important information with employees, including the impacts unionization would have on the company such as increased costs or mandates.
- Employers would be forced to provide union organizers access to their property and employees for union organizing activities.
- Employers would be left with two choices - give in to union demands within 120 days or allow an outside, government-mandated arbitrator to determine wages, benefits and other contract-related matters.
- Even employees who do not support the creation of a union in their workplace would be forced to pay union dues and operate under new contract rules.
- The legislation also creates three new penalties that can be imposed on employers for unfair labor practice conduct during the period of unionization and bargaining for the initial contract.
The Georgia Chamber of Commerce will continue to provide important information during this unprecedented debate. In the meantime, here's what you can do to make sure your voice is heard:
- Email, call or write your U. S. Representative to let them know you want them to vote against EFCA and ask others to do the same.
- Stay informed about this important issue by visiting www.gachamber.com
