Workforce Democracy and Fairness Act

Floor Speech

Mr. HIGGINS. Madam Speaker, I rise in opposition to legislation that will hinder the rights of American workers. There are several junctures in the union certification process in which an election can be delayed through unnecessary litigation. In June the National Labor Relations Board announced reforms to reduce litigation and streamline the process so that elections are held in a fair and timely manner.

The legislation before us will block those reforms and introduce even more opportunity to delay elections indefinitely. I don't believe most employers try to delay elections. In fact, I often cite our history of cooperative labor relations as one of western New York's strengths. But the record shows that some will use every loophole to prevent workers from voting on whether to bargain collectively. The National Labor Relations Board rules will close those loopholes and prevent elections from proceeding. We should allow these reforms to stand and focus instead on legislation to create jobs and get our economy moving in the right direction.

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