NYT: (Obama's) N.L.R.B. Rules Would Streamline Unionizing

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/06/22/business/22labor.html?_r=2

By STEVEN GREENHOUSE
Published: June 21, 2011

In a move that pleased labor unions, the National Labor Relations Board proposed new rules on Tuesday to speed up unionization elections.

The labor board wants to tighten the process by ensuring that employers, employees and unions receive needed information sooner and by delaying litigation over many voter-eligibility issues until after workers vote on whether to unionize.

The labor board’s news release and fact sheet did not explain how much the election process might be shortened as a result of the proposed regulations. But according to the board, the median amount of time from the filing of a petition for an election to the actual balloting was 38 days in 2008. The average time was 57 days.

Unions have long complained that it takes too many weeks after the petition is filed for a secret-ballot election to be held. They say the process gives management too much time to mount an antiunion campaign with videos and one-on-one sessions with workers.

American companies have repeatedly opposed any effort to shorten the period from petition to vote, saying it would become harder for managers to tell workers about the disadvantages of unionizing and to ensure that workers got both sides of the story.

FULL story at link.

[LiberalAndProud]

1. the disadvantages of unionizing

What would those be, exactly?

[AndyTiedye]

3. The Main Disadvantage of Trying to Form a Union is Being Illegally Fired

The employer needs time to identify the organizers and get rid of them.
The more time they have, the easier it is for them to make it appear legal.

[LiberalAndProud]

5. I understand that.

But they do have a anti-union mantra as well, don't they? What are the salient points of their propaganda?

[Omaha Steve]

7. It happened to me in 1980

It took over 3 & 1/2 years to win in US Appellate Court. It is a much longer wait to get your day in court nowadays.

OS

[FredStembottom]

2. For my friends in GD:P

IF these small changes happen....
and IF they help workers....
I promise to "like Obama" more - in proportion to how much they help struggling people in my life.

I need these types of actions. I don't need another speech. I need actual help.

[SidDithers]

4. K&R...nt

Sid

[Ship of Fools]

6. quelle surprise

BHO is pro union. Who'da thunk around here?

[eilen]

8. That is positive-- will it pass?

I would have more faith if union friendly legislation are as heavily pushed as free trade agreements.

[woo me with science]

9. Excellent!

http://robertreich.org/post/6538345540