Reply #4: I just got a reply from Herb Kohl. Makes no sense to me, like he's talking out of

[54anickel]

both sides of his mouth...maybe I'm not getting it.



As you know, the Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA)
would amend the National Labor Relations Act to change the way
employees form or become members of labor organizations.
Specifically, the EFCA recognizes a union when a majority of
employees have signed an authorization card. Twenty days after a
union presents its cards to the employer, contract negations must
begin. If the union and employer have not agreed to a contract
within the first ninety days of negotiation, the process will move to
arbitration through the Federal Mediation Service. The bill also
strengthens penalties for employee rights' violations when
businesses engage in unfair labor practices, including firing union
organizers or threatening workers.

As a business man, I understand the concerns of people
who are worried about the erosion of the secret ballot in this bill.
At the same time, we need to protect the employee's right to form
a union. Today, of all the industrialized countries in the world, the
U.S. has the lowest rate of unionization. Unions are an important
part of our democracy and our economy. In the 1970's when
union membership was at an all time high, the middle class was
thriving. Unions helped create the middle class in this country and
without them middle class wages will continue to stagnate.

I am hopeful that we can pass a bill that strikes a fair
balance for the workers and employers in this country. Be assured I
will keep your thoughts in mind should the Senate debate this bill.




Sincerely,


Herb Kohl
U.S. Senator