On the recordApril 24, 2012
we find ourselves debating yet another effort in the campaign against working men and women in this country. Over and over again in this body, and in State legislatures across the country, some have sought to undermine the ability of their constituents--dedicated teachers, electricians, assembly-line workers, and civil servants, just to name a few--to come together to bargain for fair wages and benefits. The resolution of disapproval before us is just another attempt to weaken unionized labor in this country, and I will not support it. The representation process we are debating, which is overseen and administered by the National Labor Relations Board--NLRB--is used when a group of workers want to hold a union representation vote or when an employer wants to hold a similar vote to decertify a union. Now let me be clear. What we are considering is a resolution that would effectively nullify a number of worthwhile rule changes intended to streamline and modernize the process for administering a union representation election. And, if adopted, it would essentially bar the NLRB from promulgating any similar rules in the future. These changes will help cut down on needless delays that can occur at preelection hearings, eliminate the arbitrary minimum 25 day waiting period following a decision to hold an election, and will clarify the election appeals process.…





