Free Choice Act

Employees across the United States may notice union dues removed from their paychecks in the near future. The Free Choice Act (EFCA) is a Bill that allows unions to organize and represent 100% of the employees when over 50% of the workforce signs a union authorization card. Currently, union cards are the first step in the representation process. The second is winning a secret ballot election prior to union representation. The EFCA Bill provides flexibility to unions making it easier to organize employees. The Bill also takes away the rights of each team member within an organization. Once a card is signed, employees lose the opportunity to withdraw their signatures. In addition, representation can be achieved without all team members aware that a union is attempting to organize. Imagine the shock of team members when they find themselves being represented without their approval. Furthermore, employees who signed authorization cards may not understand the impact of their signatures and expect a secret ballot election. Union organizers prey on uninformed employees because they are easier to manipulate. The Employee Free Choice Act allows Unions access to an employee’s paycheck and obligates employers to recognize unions without a vote. Removing the secret ballot election process spells trouble for employees.

The EFCA amends the current requirement to have an election process. Currently, after 30% of the employees sign a union authorization card, an official vote is held. During the official vote, over 50% of the employees must vote in favor of representation (Seaton & Ruhsam, 2009). The current process is beneficial to employees because it allows time to gather facts and make an informed decision. Each of us have been approached by a salespersons who will not take “no” for an answer. Imagine a salesperson who obtains a signature for the purchase of an overpriced vacuum cleaner. The salesperson provided an impressive demonstration in the living room and promised...