U.S. House passes Employee Free Choice Act
Minnesotans Ellison and Kline lead opposing sides

From the Minneapolis Labor Review, March 22, 2007

By Barb Kucera, editor, www.workdayminnesota.org

WASHINGTON — When the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Employee Free Choice Act March 1, two members of Minnesota’s Congressional delegation played prominent roles during the debate — on opposite sides.

The Employee Free Choice Act would update the nation’s labor laws, making it easier for workers to join together to improve their wages, benefits and working conditions.

Congressman Keith Ellison, Democrat from the 5th District, was among a handful of lawmakers selected to speak in favor of the legislation during the one-hour debate. Congressman John Kline, Republican from the 2nd District, coordinated debate on behalf of the opposition. In that role, he managed the opposition’s time and allocated it among speakers opposing the bill.

Kline also spoke on behalf of opponents during a discussion of the Employee Free Choice Act on the C-SPAN program, Capital News. He said he supports workers, but opposes the legislation because it would “undermine democracy” by eliminating the right to a secret ballot election.
Proponents pointed out that workers still would have the right to an election if they choose, but the legislation also gives them the option of selecting a union through majority sign-up.

During the floor debate, Ellison said he has seen firsthand the need for federal labor law to be reformed. He cited the case of workers at Brinks Home Security in Minneapolis, who approved a union more than two years ago, but still don’t have a union contract. The Employee Free Choice Act includes a provision for mandatory arbitration of first contracts when negotiations drag on beyond a year.

Ellison said the Employee Free Choice Act is “important human rights legislation,” adding, “Human rights are labor rights. Labor rights are human rights.”

The bill passed the House 241 to 185. Minnesota’s Congressional delegation voted along party lines, Democrats voting for it, Republicans voting against it.

Action now moves to the U.S. Senate.

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www.americanrightsatwork.org

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