Mike Thompson Watch

Employee Free Choice Act Vote (March 2, 2007)

Northern California representative Mike Thompson voted with the majority in the U.S. House of Representatives for the Employee Free Choice Act. The vote was 241 Yes, 185 No with 8 not voting. H.R. 800 will not become law unless passed by the Senate and signed by President George W. Bush.

The Act would allow the NRLB (National Labor Relations Board) to recognize a union if the majority of workers in a work place sign cards saying they want to be represented by a union. Currently after getting enough cards signed the NRLB holds an election. Employers often go to great lengths to pressure workers to vote against unionization.

The Act would also provide mediation and arbitration contract disputes and establish stronger penalties for employers who violate the right of employees to organize a union.

The bill's primary support came from Democrats, but 13 Republicans voted for it as well.

-- William P. Meyers

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