On the recordMarch 3, 2015
I rise today to discuss the National Labor Relations Board representation case procedures rule, which is set to go into effect April 14. This rule unfairly expedites union elections and squelches individual self-determination, democratic decisionmaking, and freedom of expression. It is also a blatant attempt to circumvent Congress's legitimate constitutional role in how--if at all--to reform the National Labor Relations Act. It is a clear case of regulatory overreach, and it is an abuse of power. The National Labor Relations Act seeks to create equity--or a ``level playing field,'' so to speak--in labor relations. Now, I believe the NLRA is far from perfect. In fact, I have introduced multiple pieces of legislation over the years to amend the NLRA. Nevertheless, any reform must be openly debated and enacted by Congress, not decided unilaterally by an unaccountable bureaucracy. I am concerned because this National Labor Relations Board case representation rule clearly favors the unions. I am not anti-union. I oppose this rule because I am a champion for both workers and businesses, for employee groups and the employer community. This rule hurts both. I oppose this rule not because I am against a worker's right to join a union but because this rule is detrimental to both employers and employees. The NLRA guarantees the right to engage in union activities. It also ensures the right to refrain from such activities.…
