U.S. union head Sweeney backs dropping "card check"

Reuters ^ | September 5, 2009 | N/A

[Jet Jaguar]

Signaling an attempt to move forward on stalled U.S. union legislation, AFL-CIO president John Sweeney would back speedy votes by workers on whether to join a union rather than the much-attacked "card check" provision, The New York Times reported on Saturday.

Sweeney, head of the largest U.S. labor federation, told the newspaper he would accept a fast election campaign because it would help stem management interference during union organizing drives.

The card check legislation, backed by U.S. President Barack Obama, would let workers decide whether to unionize by signing a petition or holding a secret-ballot election. Employers can now require a secret ballot.

Any move away from card check would mark a victory for the business community, the Times said.

Sweeney said he "could live with" fast or snap elections "as long as there is a fair process that protects workers against anti-union intimidation by employers and eliminates the threats to workers," the paper reported.

Critics of the legislation say unions could bully workers into signing a petition and that a secret ballot is a tenet of democracy. Backers of the bill argue companies have undermined elections with threats against workers, anti-union campaigns and lengthy delays.

Richard Trumka, secretary treasurer of AFL-CIO and the likely successor to Sweeney as president, told Reuters in July he was ready to push on a card check law, which has faced stiff opposition from Republican lawmakers.

[D-fendr]

Sweeney said he "could live with" fast or snap elections "

I was told eight months ago by someone in the know that card check was a ruse and the "snap election" was the real goal.

They prevent management from communicating, swoop down and unionize.

[FlingWingFlyer]

Sorry Johnny boy. You thugs weren’t going to get it anyway. There are still too many freedom-loving Americans living in this country.

[marron]

To me, a secret ballot is pretty basic. It should be non-negotiable.

Anyone trying to avoid a secret ballot is prima facie planning to win by intimidation.

[WKUHilltopper]

Never trust Marxists....something’s up.

[FlingWingFlyer]

I guess they call them “snap” elections because of the sound your fingers, elbows and kneecaps make when you don’t go along with the union thugs?

[Rick_Michael]

I’m not anti-union, in fact I’ve been in unions. I’m definitely against card checks, though.

[PizzaDriver]

Sweeney’s “snap election’ seems to INCLUDE a secret ballot.

[Just mythoughts]

Any move away from card check would mark a victory for the business community, the Times said.

I am guessing this 'the Times said', is the same earlier noted 'The New York Times'. Interesting how I can't tell the difference in Union speak and newspaper speak. And this bunch are pretending to be concerned about

Sweeney said he "could live with" fast or snap elections "as long as there is a fair process that protects workers against anti-union intimidation by employers and eliminates the threats to workers," the paper reported.

after what we have seen that goes on in liberals town-hall sessions over the BamaKennedy plan to end the health-care economy.

[HuntsvilleTxVeteran]

Did you enjoy paying the thugs that own the union?

[hope]

'U.S. union head Sweeney backs dropping "card check"

Why is that? We need to hunt down his sorry ass and see why the $$$ stopped flowing...demand an explanation!!! They are not the unions of my grand pappyQ

[Carlos Martillo II]

Any union member (especially UAW) can see the writing on the wall: unionize and lose your job, or work for in the South in a Republican state(instead of Detroit) and make cars with Japanese names and world-wide owners (shareholders) and keep your job, raise a family, make better cars, etc.

[SunkenCiv]

Signaling an attempt to move forward on stalled U.S. union legislation...

IOW, because otherwise he'd get nothing...

AFL-CIO president John Sweeney would back speedy votes by workers on whether to join a union rather than the much-attacked "card check" provision...

Naturally, the New York Slimes put it in quotes.

The card check legislation, backed by U.S. President Barack Obama, would let workers decide whether to unionize by signing a petition or holding a secret-ballot election. Employers can now require a secret ballot.

"Secret ballots are ridiculous in this day and age. Everyone should always be aware of what their neighbors are trying to do to repress them."

Any move away from card check would mark a victory for the business community, the Times said... Sweeney said he "could live with" fast or snap elections "as long as there is a fair process that protects workers against anti-union intimidation by employers and eliminates the threats to workers," the paper reported.

That's a phrase like "back-alley abortions".

Critics of the legislation say unions could bully workers into signing a petition and that a secret ballot is a tenet of democracy...

Wait a second... does this mean that union thugs can't attack anyone they feel like, for any or no reason, any time they like, and do so with impunity?!? Oh, it doesn't? Okay then.

Richard Trumka, secretary treasurer of AFL-CIO and the likely successor to Sweeney as president, told Reuters in July he was ready to push on a card check law, which has faced stiff opposition from Republican lawmakers.

That'll give him a hobby.

[Joan Kerrey]

Sweeney’s “snap election’ seems to INCLUDE a secret ballot. ------------------------- Doesn't matter. A snap election is almost the same thing. It give the employer no chance to resist the union movement. There are already laws to protect both sides from intimidation and unfair labor practices. The proposal of snap elections is simply a move to undermine employers rights to campaign and present it's views to employees which is their right in a democratic society. Why else should there be a need for snap elections. It's the same thing as Obama saying legislation absolutely must be passed immediately even though much of it wouldn't even take place until years down the road. Anytime someone wants to rush anything through, beware.