Lincoln reinforces opposition to ‘Card Check’

Submitted by The City Wire Staff on Tue, 02/09/2010 - 6:04pm

U.S. Sen. Blanche Lincoln, D-Ark., said in April 2009 she would not support the Employee Free Choice Act — controversial legislation pushed by her party that would make it easier for unions to organize.

Lincoln, who faces a tough reelection challenge in a right-to-work state, stuck to her guns and voted against allowing Craig Becker to be confirmed as a director on the National Labor Relations Board.

Becker, a pro-labor lawyer and advocate for Card Check, was nominated by President Barack Obama for the powerful five-person board. The board has judicial powers to decide on administrative proceedings related to conflicts under the National Labor Relations Act. Becker has written that he would take his personal agenda to Washington.

The most controversial part of the Act would allow the designation of a union if a majority of employees sign pro-union authorization cards. Once the National Labor Relations Board validates the signatures, a union is created and collective bargaining with the employer begins.

Lincoln’s office issued this statement: “I believe there should be a balance between the rights of employers and employees in the workplace regarding labor laws and regulations that govern collective bargaining. After reviewing Mr. Becker’s record, I became concerned that his approach to these important issues could undermine the existing rules on union elections on matters that in my view should be addressed through the regular legislative process.”

U.S. Sen. Ben Nelson, D-Neb., was the first and most prominent Democrat to break ranks and oppose Obama’s pick. U.S. Sen. Mark Pryor, D-Ark., did not vote.

The Workforce Fairness Institute, a lobbying group formed to oppose Card Check, issued this statement: “Today’s bipartisan vote by Senator Lincoln in opposition to Craig Becker to the National Labor Relations Board was really a vote in strong support of small businesses struggling to survive in a challenging economic environment. In spite of immense pressure from union bosses, Lincoln did what was right for her constituents, both employers and employees in Arkansas.”

It is possible Obama could use his power of recess appointment to place Becker in the post.

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Comments

smoking guns

Submitted by convivial on Wed, 02/10/2010 - 12:48pm.

A little research into the Workforce Fairness Institute raises puzzling questions regarding the special interests in the back and forth tug over the Employee Free Choice Act, rebranded as Card Check. Is this truly about Arkansas small businesses, or is it about Wal-Mart and Home Depot? If Senator Lincoln is truly concerned about balance, does it not make sense to have a pro labor advocate on the NLRB? I'm not certain this is a parade to get in front of as drum major. It seems to me that the deal was set for democrats up for election to make a grandstand gesture knowing full well that the recess appointment was under foot.

Card Check

Submitted by arnold fudpucker on Wed, 02/10/2010 - 2:28pm.

If passed will eliminate the secret ballot and open up the unbridled intimidation by the union thugs. Hello Mexico. Don't know for sure about the grandstanding thing but I find it laughable that Blanche has moved so far to the center now that she is listening to the voters and not her dem bosses. Two-faced or about face? Which is it? Either way she is gone.

Thugs?

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 02/10/2010 - 4:00pm.

You are easily influenced by TV ads. You are living in the past where thugs faced off with the company goon squad to protect the workers. Card check levels the playing field.