Teddy Kennedy is at it Again

At least it wasn't about guns, this time...

A few weeks ago, Senator Edward Kennedy (D-MA) introduced the “Employee Free Choice Act,” S. 1041. This bill is identical to the version passed in the Democrat-controlled House. Senator Kennedy has pledged to do all he can to get the bill to a vote quickly.

So what is this bill about anyways? It's about payback to his supporters.

Labor leaders blame their troubles (decades of declining membership - in fact, only 7% of private sector employees are union now) on the process workers use to decide whether or not they want to be represented by unions. These leaders complain that the cards are stacked against them.

The yes-or-no vote for union representation involves employee secret ballot elections, which are overseen by the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB).

Currently, unions win more than half of these elections... but that isn't enough for them.

Enter Ted Kennedy and S 1041. Just eliminate the private ballot elections and certify the unions as the bargaining agents for workers once they persuade a majority of eligible employees to sign authorization cards. Unions would have as long as they need to collect signatures. That is, this “card check” process would remain open until they win.

Not bad - unless you are into fair representation.