Bill Positions

Bill Number: SJ 6

Bill Title: "Card Check" and Forced, Compulsory Arbitration

Bill Sponsor(s): Senator Mooney, et al

Subject: Workplace Regulations

Committee: FIN

Bill Summary: This resolution would have declared the State's opposition to federal proposals that seek to eliminate the private election phase of union recognition campaigns and implement compulsory binding arbitration on employers; declared the State's support for democracy in the workplace by maintaining every worker's right to privately decide whether or not to allow a particular union to represent their interests.

History: This resolution was withdrawn by the sponsor.

Chamber Position: Support

Position Summary: The EFCA would elminate the use of the secret ballot in union organizing efforts, and replaces it with a "card check system." Trading the secret ballot process for one that invites intimidation and coercion and leads to widespread disenfranchisement of workers is not a step in the right direction.

The EFCA would also impose contract terms on private, unionzed employers through compulsory, binding arbitration if the employer and a newly certified union do not reach a first contract within a specified amount of time. Forced arbitration would impose unreasonable and inflexible terms and cause an employer to lose control over their operations, preventing them from growing their business.

For these reasons, the Maryland Chamber supported this resolution.

Position Statement:

Chamber Staff: Allyson Black

General Assembly: Click here to view the bill on the Maryland General Assembly's website.