http://www.inrich.com/cva/ric/news.apx.-content-articles-RTD-2007-05-16-0205.htmlChamber fights pro-labor bill
Internet-based event targets plan that would let workers unionize by signing cards
Wednesday, May 16, 2007 - 04:37 PM Updated: 06:34 PM
By Peter Hardin
Times-Dispatch Staff Writer
E-mail | Biography
Virginia has one of the lowest unionization rates in the nation, and the state Chamber of Commerce is working beyond state lines to help keep it that way.
The Virginia chamber is fighting a bill in Congress that would make it easier for employees to unionize against companies’ wishes.
Tomorrow, the Virginia chamber will join the U.S. and South Carolina chambers in co-hosting an Internet-based seminar on the legislation. These chambers are working to rally the business community against the bill.
Passed by the House in March, the bill would remove an employer’s right to demand secret-ballot elections by workers before a union could be recognized.
Under the bill, if a majority of workers signed cards in choosing a union as their bargaining representative, the union could be recognized. Sponsors portray it as a way to remedy employer intimidation and coercion of workers.
Virginia’s chamber is paying special attention to Republican Sen. John W. Warner of Virginia. He does not always side with his party on key votes.
FULL story at link.