LA Times: Labor Board May Rule on Union Tactic

[Quetzal]

Labor Board May Rule on Union Tactic

Organized labor's hopes of rebuilding itself as an economic force may ride on changes being contemplated by a federal board that oversees union elections.

The five-member National Labor Relations Board, dominated by Bush administration appointees, has indicated that it may rule on two cases in ways that would hamper union organizing efforts. Labor leaders hope the board will hold off until after the November presidential election, when one seat on the board will become vacant. It is unclear when the board will issue its decision.

"The right to organize totally depends on who wins this election," said Stewart Acuff, organizing director for the AFL-CIO. He said unions were "breaking our backs to make sure" that Democrat John F. Kerry "is in the White House next year."

What's at issue is "card check recognition," used in the Justice for Janitors campaign in Los Angeles and to unionize tens of thousands of communication workers, hotel workers, people who make auto parts and others around the country.

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http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-labor13sep13,1,2761630.story?coll=la-home-business