March 10, 2011

Corona Valley Chamber Opposes Mandatory “How-To Unionize Guide” Proposal

The Greater Corona Valley Chamber of Commerce opposes a proposed federal rule that would require private sector employers to notify employees of their right to unionize – or not. This proposed rule covers all employers subject to the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) except for employers of airline, railroad and agricultural workers.

“This is another example of a harmful regulation on employers,” stated Cynthia Schneider, Chair of the Chamber’s Legislative Action Committee. “The percentage of private sector workers in unions has dropped to 7.2 percent, from more than 35 percent in the 1950s. The Chamber remains opposed to any belief that employers are to blame for the decline in union membership and so therefore enforcement and increased mandates to reverse the declining membership trends must be increased,” continued Schneider.

The proposed notice would be mandatory in almost all workplaces, regardless of whether union employees are present. The new notice, as proposed, states that employees have the right to act together to improve wages and working conditions, to form, join and assist a union, to bargain collectively with their employer, and to choose not to do any of these activities.

The proposed notice also provides examples of unlawful employer and union conduct and tells employees how to contact the NLRB with questions or complaints. If an employer communicates with employees primarily by e-mail or other electronic means, the notice would be posted electronically as well.