Employees’ Firsthand Account: Why Employee Free Choice Act Threatens Choice
Thursday, March 26th, 2009 by AdminSome who closely follow labor policy know the story of Dana Corp, or at least as it relates to the debate over secret ballots for union elections vs. the union-demanded open process known as card check. But here is the employees’ side of the story:
“We’re here in a little town and we’re a plant of 50 some people — you know the last thing you need is to have the union coming to your door saying I want your name,” Oliver said.
The union’s relentless approach, she said, eventually wore her down.
“When they approach you every day — every day, every day,” she said, “after a while it’s like ‘Okay. Fine. I’ll sign the card.’”
The UAW collected the necessary signatures, but plant employees appealed to the National Labor Relations Board that ruled the employees could hold a secret election.
“When they held the election, there was no more union,” said Guest. “Although it was close.”
Now, employees say, the forced choice has turned friend into foe, causing some employees to be threatened by coworkers who had wanted the union.
One employee said she was threatened for her choice.
“I have my reasons for the way that I voted. That’s nobody else’s business, and had it not been for the card check, nobody would know if I was for or against,” said Beverly Musolf.
