[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 157 (2011), Part 7]
[Senate]
[Pages 9875-9876]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                                  NLRB

  Mr. CARDIN. Mr. President, I rise today to praise the National Labor 
Relations Board for issuing new proposed rules that will modernize the 
process that workers use to form a union. These new rules will improve 
the consistency and efficiency of the election process, protect 
workers' right to a timely vote, and limit opportunities for possible 
coercion by both employers and unions.
  America's middle class is struggling. Hard-working families are 
finding it hard to make ends meet. We are recovering from the deepest 
recession since the Great Depression, and there are workers who are 
trying to achieve for

[[Page 9876]]

their families what we all want: financial stability that keeps our 
families secure. However, as workers see their benefits, hours, and pay 
being cut, they feel powerless. Meanwhile, executives can and do 
negotiate their employment contracts. Where is the fairness?
  Unions can level the playing field for workers, but the process for 
choosing a union is outdated. Current NRLB election procedures produce 
extensive delays, encourage litigious stall tactics, and provide 
opportunities for intimidation. Further, the organizational structure 
of the NLRB has created inconsistencies in the processing of the 
election petitions. It is time for the NLRB to address these important 
procedural shortcomings, and I am encouraged by their response.
  The new rules do not advantage nor do they disadvantage unions. The 
rules merely create a uniform process for resolving pre- and post-
election disputes. Both sides are given the opportunity to present 
arguments to allow a fair and well-informed vote. It is also important 
to note that these streamlining rules apply equally to both elections 
seeking to certify a union and elections seeking to decertify a union.
  Workers deserve the right to choose a union or not to choose a union 
with a fair, timely, and well-informed up-or-down vote. The right to 
vote is central to our democracy, and we must continue to ensure that 
American workers are afforded this right without impediment or fear. 
Thus, I applaud the NLRB for their actions.

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