Industry Groups Say Union Card-Check Bill Violates Principles of International Law

NEW YORK, NY--(Marketwire - March 18, 2009) - The proposed "card-check" bill currently before Congress, which would effectively eliminate secret ballots for employees to form unions, may violate longstanding international legal principles, according to a joint letter from two top industry groups.

The United States Council for International Business (USCIB) and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce have sent a letter (http://www.uscib.org/docs/090312_efca_letter.pdf) to Congress spelling out how provisions of the Employee Free Choice Act contradict the principles of international labor law as defined by the International Labor Organization (ILO).

"It's disturbing that labor unions, which for years have pressed for integration of ILO labor standards into U.S. law and trade agreements, would be pushing to introduce a system that violates ILO standards," said Adam Greene, USCIB's vice president for labor and corporate responsibility.

The joint industry letter highlighted two provisions in the card-check bill, which would modify the National Labor Relations Act. They would effectively eliminate the secret ballot in union elections and impose a compulsory arbitration scheme to set the terms of initial collective bargaining agreements. The business groups said these were inconsistent with the ILO's 1998 Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work.

The ILO calls secret ballot elections the preferred means for workers to select a union, since workers face far less risk of reprisal. The UN body also discourages compulsory arbitration schemes, saying they interfere with voluntary collective bargaining and freedom of association.

"Congress needs to think long and hard about whether we really want to place the United States so far outside the agreed international norms on this issue," said Mr. Greene. "Even prisoners of war, under the Geneva Conventions, are guaranteed the right to a secret ballot when electing their representatives."

USCIB promotes international engagement and prudent regulation in support of open markets, competitiveness and innovation, sustainable development and corporate responsibility. Its members include top U.S.-based global companies and professional services firms from every sector of our economy, with operations in every region of the world. With a unique global network encompassing leading international business organizations, including the IOE, USCIB provides business views to policy makers and regulatory authorities worldwide, and works to facilitate international trade and investment. More information is available at www.uscib.org.

Contact Information: Contact: Jonathan Huneke USCIB 212.703.5043