Congressman Brady Opposes "Worker Intimidation Act"

Press Release

Congressman Brady Opposes "Worker Intimidation Act"

U.S. Congressman Kevin Brady (R-The Woodlands) today strongly opposed H.R. 800, the Employee Free Choice Act of 2007, which - for the first time in 60 years in America - eliminates the secret ballot when employees vote on forming unions. The bill passed the House today by a vote of 241 to 185.

"This is an outrageous attack on workers rights by denying them a secret ballot and exposing them to coercion and intimidation in the workplace. Unions play an important role, but denying workers the basic right to vote their conscience without fear of repercussion is undemocratic and un-American," said Brady.

The bill, despite its title, would remove worker choice in two instances: whether they and their colleagues are represented by a union (and which one) and whether to accept a first collective bargaining agreement. Congressman Brady strongly opposes what many are calling the "Worker Intimidation Act" that eliminates the rights of workers to a secret ballot in union representation elections and exposes them to dangerous intimidation.

Brady added that he fears "the Democratic leadership is beholden to unions, their largest campaign contributors, and this is simply a blatant political payback."

President Bush has indicated that he will veto this bill if it reaches his desk in the current format.

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