Thank the NLRB? Yes, thank the NLRB!

This week he killed SB 104, a sort of Employee Free Choice Act for California farm workers, that would have enabled them to organize a union with a majority sign-up (card check) instead of holding an election. Brown's predecessor, Arnold Schwarzenegger, vetoed such a bill four times as governor.

SB 104 "sets the stage for intimidation by the union," said Tom Nassif, president and chief executive officer of Western Growers [to the LA Times]. "It doesn't allow a true free choice."

That's the same rhetoric we heard against EFCA too -- card check would bring about "the demise of civilization" -- and corporate lobbyists killed the Employee Free Choice Act in the first year of the Obama Administration.

Beacon of hope

In fact, it's employers who intimidate, bully, fire and deny workers a "true free choice" in joining a union. In large part, they've been able to get away with it through a process that lets employers use bureaucratic delays and costly lawsuits to block union elections for months or years.

Last week, the National Labor Relations Board moved to change that, taking an important stand for working families across the country by issuing a proposed rule that would remove bureaucratic barriers employers use to delay union elections after workers indicate their desire to form a union.

The NLRB will almost certainly come under attack by the same corporate interests who wrecked our economy while profiting mightily at the cost of millions of American jobs. That's why SEIU has created a petition thanking them for the positive step they're taking for Americans hoping to create a better life for themselves during these difficult economic times.

With more than 17,000 signatures already, we've well passed our goal of 10,000. Now help us reach 25,000 signatures that we can deliver this week. Between SEIU members and our allies, it's a goal we can meet that will send a powerful message to the Board: Thank you, and keep up the good work.

Click here to support the NLRB's proposed rule change

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Statement from SEIU President Mary Kay Henry: NLRB Rule a Positive Step for Workers

"In just the first six months of this year, we have witnessed unprecedented assaults on workers' rights in states across the country. Now, the NLRB is taking a positive step for workers who want to exercise their fundamental right to decide for themselves whether to form a union.

"Too many workers have seen their efforts to join together on the job defeated by costly litigation and delaying tactics by their employer. Many never get the chance to make their voices heard at the ballot box. This rule change would protect a right that is central to our democracy -- the right to vote.

"When Americans want to make their voices heard -- whether in state capitols or at work -- they should be able to without fear of retaliation.

"Don't be surprised when right wing politicians and corporate interest groups make outrageous claims about what this rule change would do. These are the same politicians who are attacking workers' rights around the country and the same corporations that are reaping record profits. America's economic and tax policies are making them rich and they want to keep them that way.

"It's time to restore some measure of balance and fairness to the system, starting with making sure workers have the right to vote whether to form a union without unnecessary delays."

Click here to support the NLRB's proposed rule change

More Info:

American Rights at Work: Eye on the NLRB

Facts on the NLRB Proposed Rule

National Labor Relations Board