Contact Information: Contact: Jonathan Huneke USCIB 212.703.5043
Industry Groups Say Union Card-Check Bill Violates Principles of International Law
| Source: USCIB
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.