The Daily Herald - Rep's Bill Would Undo New Rule on Unions

News Article

By Kelsey Reidle

U.S. Rep. Scott DesJarlais has introduced a bill to Congress that would reverse a rule requiring employers to post unionization rights on their bulletin boards.

The legislation, dubbed the Employer Free Choice Act, would repeal a rule promulgated by the National Labor Relations Board Aug. 25, 2011 that requires employers to prominently display posters containing information on workers' rights to unionize and bargain collectively.

If not repealed, businesses will be required to have the information posted by Nov. 14.

"It is unacceptable for the NLRB to force businesses to display posters that serve as nothing more than a de facto endorsement of unionization by the federal government," DesJarlais said in a press release. "If employers want to distribute information on the ways employees can unionize, then that should be their choice -- not Washington bureaucrats. Clearly this arbitrary mandate is simply another favor for big labor made possible by their friends in the Obama administration."

The press release said the legislation came, in part, from feedback he received from employers during a visit to Manchester to discuss regulations affecting them. He visited VIAM Manufacturing Inc. to meet with executives to discuss ways Washington is holding back their ability to create jobs.

Keith Hayes, executive vice-president of VIAM Manufacturing, voiced his concerns over the recent announcement by the NLRB.

"We take great pride in making sure that our employees fully understand their rights, which includes the right to union representation and the right to choose that representation. We do not need, nor is there a reason for the federal government to force us to advertise on behalf of unions in our facility," Hayes stated the press release from DesJarlais' office.

Mike Herron, bargaining chairman for the Local 1853 chapter of United Auto Workers in Spring Hill, said he believes the bill is unnecessary and will have no effect on job creation.

"It's just one more attempt to try to justify what is nothing more than trying to keep the workers from being educated as to what their rights are under the federal law," Herron said Wednesday.

DesJarlais, a Republican who represents Tennessee's 4th District, which includes Maury County, launched his Tennessee Job Creators tour as part of AmericanJobCreators.com. According to the press release, the website gives business owners a chance to provide their input to help them thrive and create jobs. The website is designed to help taxpayers identify government regulations that might impede the growth and success of their business.

DesJarlais said Washington should not dictate how local businesses choose to communicate with their employees regarding unionization issues.

DesJarlais' bill has been referred to the Committee on Education and the Workforce, of which DesJarla is is a member. The bill had 38 members of Congress signed on as sponsors Tuesday.

U.S. Rep. John Kline, R-Minn., chairman of the committee, said "Millions of American workers are unemployed, yet the Obama labor board continues to pursue an activist agenda that is killing jobs and harming the competitiveness of our workforce. If President Obama won't hold them accountable, Congress will … ."

Herron said he feels the proposed bill would detract attention from the real issue at hand and would not have any significant impact on job creation.

"This is just one more example that we see with DesJarlais, that all of his work is doing nothing more than supporting the political position of his party, and he's trying to get a start for himself in the party. I can tell you, this won't help employ one more American," Herron said.

An NLRB representative said the agency is unable to comment on pending legislation.

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