Chamber Promises A Battle On Card-Check Bill

by Bill Swindell

Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2008


U.S. Chamber of Commerce President Tom Donohue today adamantly spoke against legislation that would make it easier for workers to unionize in the midst of a Democratic Party convention featuring a significant organized labor presence.

Donohue touted his appearance in the Mile High City as part of his group's bipartisan efforts to find solutions for high-profile issues like energy, infrastructure and broadband access. And while the Chamber tilts toward GOP endorsements, Donohue ticked off the Democrats it will be endorsing in Senate races this fall: Max Baucus of Montana, Mark Pryor of Arkansas, Mark Warner of Virginia and Mary Landrieu of Louisiana.

But Donohue focused much of his remarks on legislation that would allow workers to organize via a card-check process rather than a traditional secret-ballot election. The measure passed the House this session but stalled in the Senate due to a filibuster. Donohue said the Chamber is focusing on key Senate races to ensure Democrats do not have a filibuster-proof majority. He said the Chamber will spend millions on the card-check issue and activate its grassroots network of business owners and executives.

"It's a battle these guys are going to find very uncomfortable," Donohue said of his battle with the unions.

AFL-CIO President John Sweeney and Change to Win Chairwoman Anna Burger are speaking tonight at the convention.

Donohue said he recently had a discussion with a top Senate Democrat -- whom he did not identify -- who told him the senator has never received as much heat as on any issue as the card-check bill. He added that he knows of as many as four Senate Democrats who will not vote for the bill if it comes to floor vote.

The Chamber argues that the bill would strip a constitutional right for a secret-ballot election and open up organizing campaigns to more worker intimidation. Unions contend the bill is needed because employers are not held accountable under current federal rules for union-busting activities and that the National Labor Relations Board has been toothless in cracking down on companies.

"I think it will resonate in some specific places," Donohue said.

He said his concern with organized labor's agenda is heightened because Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., would likely be open to signing union bills if elected president.

He said the Chamber is on guard about other another dozen labor agenda items that could be unveiled in the next Congress, such as an effort to allow a small segment of workers within a company to form their own "mini-unions" even if other rank and file are not covered, and legislation that would curb at-will dismissals.

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