Hawaii union organization bill heads to Gov. Linda Lingle (Free Choice Act)

[Omaha Steve]

http://starbulletin.com/2008/03/26/news/story06.html

By Richard Borreca
[e-mail]

A bill that would make it easier for labor unions to organize workers has cleared the state Legislature.

House Bill 2974 passed the Senate 21-4, with all four Republicans voting no. The eight GOP representatives were the only no votes in the 43-8 tally in the House.

The bill calls for a streamlined union certification process. Under the proposal, employees would only have to sign a card saying they were in favor of the union and if a majority of the employees sign up, the union is authorized to bargain with management.

Opponents claim the measure takes away the right of workers to an election and the secret ballot.

"We are telling people how it is important to register to vote and here we are turning our backs on employees who would have their right to a secret ballot taken away," Sen. Sam Slom (R, Diamond Head-Hawaii Kai) said.

The bill now goes to Gov. Linda Lingle. If she vetoes the measure, there is still time for the Democratic majority to override her veto without the Legislature calling a special session.

FULL story at link.