By AMY HARDER
A U.S. Chamber of Commerce official predicted a "firestorm" on Capitol Hill over the Employee Free Choice Act in a press conference today at the chamber's Washington headquarters. Randel Johnson, the organization's vice president of labor, discussed the chamber's efforts against the legislation and where he sees it fitting into the agendas of both the incoming administration and Congress.
The EFCA is designed to make it easier for unions to organize by allowing them to be recognized if a majority of workers sign cards -- hence the nickname "card check" bill. Opponents counter that the legislation would get rid of the current system of organizing -- the secret ballot -- and create an environment where union bosses dominate and workers feel intimidated. In the latest issue of National Journal, Peter H. Stone delves into the battle between business and labor interests. (The article is available to subscribers only.)
Johnson today released the first part of a report that aims to counter many of the arguments EFCA supporters put forth. The report, which is part of a nearly $10 million campaign against the bill, includes seven booklets featuring studies, polls and data that argue Americans want less unionization, not more, and that the workplace isn't as bad as union backers make it seem. The next booklet will be released next week, and the rest by the end of December, Johnson said.
With President-elect Barack Obama's administration coming together and most congressional races settled, Johnson said the chamber plans to ramp up its anti-EFCA efforts -- through polling, the report and TV ads.
"We are doing our best to point out to the administration that this will be a firestorm on Capitol Hill, bordering on Armageddon," Johnson said. "Mr. President-elect, when you peel back the onion, you'll find that there isn't much behind what the unions are alleging."
Predicting that Congress would consider the bill by April, Johnson said the chamber aims to "put a brake on the administration and the Democratic leadership." He said that less drastic alterations to current labor law should be examined before lawmakers consider the "sweeping" changes put forth in the EFCA.
Labor Vs. Business, On The Airwaves
At least three third parties are already up and running with TV spots on the issue: American Rights At Work, which supports the legislation, and two anti-EFCA groups: the Employee Freedom Action Committee and Americans For Job Security. The chamber is also gearing up to produce its own post-election TV campaign, Johnson said. Likening the bill to big government will be a primary focus, he said.
More Coverage Of The USCC
Where does the chamber stand on other battles stirring on the Hill over new policy for the upcoming year? National Journal recently sat down with Chamber President and CEO Thomas Donohue and Executive Vice President for Government Affairs R. Bruce Josten to find out.
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