The Union-Backed Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA) Failed to Clear the Senate
On
June 26th the Senate voted 51-48 in favor of cloture to
end the filibuster. Thus, the Employee Free Choice Act
cannot pass the Senate in 2007.
The
EFCA which was opposed by employers would have amended
the National Labor Relations Act to:
1)
require employers to
recognize unions based on card checks;
2)
impose mandatory
mediation and arbitration in first contract
negotiations; and
3)
substantially
increase penalties imposed on employers for labor
law violations during organizing campaigns and first
contract efforts.
The
Senate bill was brought to the floor during the week of
June 18th, where it enjoyed majority support. However,
forces opposing the bill threatened a filibuster which
would prevent a vote from being taken. A filibuster can
be defeated by a vote of 60 senators to invoke
"cloture"—which would end debate on the subject and
bring the bill to the floor for a vote. Observers
indicate the bill will likely make a comeback.
