The Secret Ballot Protection Act

 

 

RSC Q &A:

The Secret Ballot Protection Act

 

The Secret Ballot Protection Act, introduced by the late Congressman Charlie Norwood in the 110th Congress (H.R. 866), ensures that workers, faced with the decision of whether to unionize, maintain their right to a secret ballot.

 

Why do we need the Secret Ballot Protection Act?

 

  •       Secret ballots are a bedrock of American democracy and a fundamental right that all American citizens enjoy each time they go to the voting booth.  Committee Members use it in electing their Chairmen.  Members of Congress use it in electing their leadership.  Workers voting for union representation deserve the same right to secret ballot elections.
  •       Because membership is dwindling, unions are doing all they can to increase their numbers – even at the expense of a democratic election process.

 

What does the Secret Ballot Protection Act do?

 

  •       The bill protects the right of workers to have secret ballot elections in determining whether a union will represent their workforce.
  •       The bill prevents a workforce from being unionized solely based on a card check (where workers sign authorization cards – frequently in front of employers and fellow employees – stating that they wish to be part of a union).
  •       The bill protects workers from being pressured or coerced to join a union.
  •       The bill prevents recognition of a union that was formed without a secret ballot election.

 

What will happen if we do not pass the Secret Ballot Protection Act?

 

  •       The alternative is an anti-secret ballot bill entitled the “Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA)” – also known as Card Check.
  •       Secret ballot elections will likely be eliminated by the Democrat majority.
  •       Workers will be subject to coercion and intimidation to sign cards in favor of unionization.

 

What are they saying outside the Beltway about anti-secret ballot legislation?

    

  • According to a January 2009 poll by McLaughlin & Associates, 74 percent of all voters oppose EFCA.  74 percent of all union voters oppose EFCA as well.

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For More Information:
Bill Highlights

Bill Text 
RSC Press Release

Additional Documents:
Letter of support from the National Taxpayers Union 
Letter of Support from the National Right to Work Committee
Letter of Support from Americans for Tax Reform
Letter of Support from the Alliance for Worker Freedom