Robert Reich: Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA) might have passed had it been high on Obama's agenda

[Better Believe It]

An Interview with Robert Reich
Labor Under Democrats
By DAVID MACARAY
June 8, 2010

Did the EFCA (Employee Free Choice Act), which would have made joining a union much easier, ever have a realistic chance of passing? What was the main reason it failed, and do you see it passing in the future, even in a modified form?

Reich: It might have passed had it been high on the president’s agenda, and put in play within the first months of his administration. But it wasn’t high on his agenda. Once again, the leaders of organized labor got hoodwinked. It happened in the Clinton administration. It happened under Carter. Labor leaders support a Democratic candidate for president, and then are disappointed and surprised when he doesn’t come through.

Do you see the EFCA passing in the future, or has the opposition been sufficiently mobilized?

Reich: It could pass, but not in its original form. Perhaps a much speedier election process, coupled with heavier fines on employers that violated the NRLA.

Read the full interview at:

http://www.counterpunch.org/macaray06082010.html

[proud2BlibKansan]

1. Of course it would have passed

At this point it's just one more failed opportunity.

[undeterred]

2. Anyone who worked for Obama for America

can tell you what its like to really need the protection of a union. No surprise at all that its not a priority to Obama.

[Go2Peace]

3. Yep, nary a peep. This was a "step" that the President could have made

that would have a significant significance and had pretty strong overall support. Not to mention it would have been incredibly good for the future of the party. It just stymies the imagination as to why he did not offer more encouragement and a little energy to it.

[kenny blankenship]

4. Just throw it on the pile next to the Public Option and health care reform.

But HEY! He kept that promise to escalate in Afghanistan, didn't he?

So there's that.

[Better Believe It]

5. Done