Committee Advances Legislation to Ensure Workforce Democracy, Protect Employee Privacy

Press Release

The House Education and the Workforce Committee, chaired by Rep. John Kline (R-MN), today approved two pieces of legislation to roll back an attempt by the National Labor Relations Board to weaken workforce democracy and employee privacy. The Workforce Democracy and Fairness Act (H.R. 4320) and the Employee Privacy Protection Act (H.R. 4321) will ensure access to a fair union election process and empower workers to safeguard their personal privacy.

"I am pleased the committee has advanced legislation to defend the rights workers and employers have enjoyed for decades," said Chairman Kline. "The Obama board is determined to advance a radical rule that will stifle employer free speech, cripple employee free choice, and jeopardize the privacy of workers and their families. It's unconscionable for Congress to sit on the sidelines and do nothing. The steps we've taken will ensure a fair union election process, one that allows employers to speak with employees, protects a worker's right to make an informed decision, and safeguards the privacy of working families."

"Today the committee acted not only to push back broadly against the NLRB's ambush election rule," said Rep. Phil Roe (R-TN), chairman of the Subcommittee on Health, Employment, Labor, and Pensions, "but also to protect the privacy of American workers. Employees have the right to form a union, but the unionization process must be open, transparent, and fair. Every worker deserves to make his or her own decision about whether to join a union, free from intimidation or coercion--by the union or the employer."

During the markup, Democrats offered several non-germane amendments in an attempt to distract from the NLRB's ambush election proposal and the president's failed policies. "Working families are hurting in the Obama economy," said Chairman Kline. "Rather than work with us to change direction, Democrats are trying frantically to change the subject. Today's antics are further proof that Democrats have different priorities than working families. More rules, mandates, and regulations will not provide the jobs and opportunity struggling families desperately need."

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