On the recordSeptember 23, 2010
I rise to discuss my opposition to the resolution before us, the resolution disapproving the National Mediation Board's ruling on election procedures. This ruling finally brings union election rules in the rail and aviation industries in line with union elections in every other industry. It also brings them in line with every other democratic election for public office at the Federal, State, and local levels. Today, after the NMB rule change, a union election at an airline will be like any other election. Employees who are the voters will have the opportunity to access a ballot. If they want union representation, they will vote yes. If they do not want union representation, they will vote no. If they do not have a strong opinion or if they forget to vote, then they do not count. Election officials count up the cast ballots and the category with the most votes wins. Does anything about that description raise any flags? Probably not. Because that is how elections work in this country. Prior to the NMB rule change, an airline union election worked very differently.
