Official Bill Info

• Latest Action: Apr 29, 2009 Referred to the Subcommittee on Health, Employment, Labor, and Pensions.

  Clicking this will add the following text:

  I know the most recent action for this bill is as follows: "Referred to the Subcommittee on Health, Employment, Labor, and Pensions." on Apr 29, 2009
• Committee Assignment: House Education and Labor

  Clicking this will add the following text:

  This bill has been assigned to the House Education and Labor committee.
• Committee Assignment: House Education and Labor - Health, Employment, Labor, and Pensions

  Clicking this will add the following text:

  This bill has been assigned to the House Education and Labor - Health, Employment, Labor, and Pensions committee.

Bill Statistics on OpenCongress

Contribution Data

OpenCongress Bill Summary

• This bill (aka "card check") would change the rules governing the formation of unions, the way first contracts between unions and employers are negotiated, and how employees' rights are enforced. Under the bill, workers would be able to decide whether to hold a secret ballot vote on union formation after a majority of employees have signed union authorization cards, or to have the union certified based on the cards alone. Under the current rules, employers have the power to make that decision. The bill also designates a time line for first contracts to be drawn up between unions and employees and stipulates that if no deal is reached within 120 days, an arbitration panel will render a decision that will be binding for two years. Finally, it would increase the fines employers must pay if found guilty of violating their employees' right to unionize. This bill is organized labor's number one legislative priority, and it is vigorously opposed by the business lobby. Democratic leader are expected to bring it to a vote in the Senate sometime this summer. The big question regarding its passage is whether or not the Democrats can find 60 votes in favor of breaking an inevitable Republican filibuster. The Senate version is S. 560.

  Clicking this will add the following text:

  Here's a summary from OpenCongress.org: This bill (aka "card check") would change the rules governing the formation of unions, the way first contracts between unions and employers are negotiated, and how employees' rights are enforced. Under the bill, workers would be able to decide whether to hold a secret ballot vote on union formation after a majority of employees have signed union authorization cards, or to have the union certified based on the cards alone. Under the current rules, employers have the power to make that decision. The bill also designates a time line for first contracts to be drawn up between unions and employees and stipulates that if no deal is reached within 120 days, an arbitration panel will render a decision that will be binding for two years. Finally, it would increase the fines employers must pay if found guilty of violating their employees' right to unionize. This bill is organized labor's number one legislative priority, and it is vigorously opposed by the business lobby. Democratic leader are expected to bring it to a vote in the Senate sometime this summer. The big question regarding its passage is whether or not the Democrats can find 60 votes in favor of breaking an inevitable Republican filibuster. The Senate version is S. 560.

Supporting Organizations

• International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers

  Clicking this will add the following text:

  I know that the organization International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers supports H.R.1409
• American Public Health Association

  Clicking this will add the following text:

  I know that the organization American Public Health Association supports H.R.1409
• Catholics United

  Clicking this will add the following text:

  I know that the organization Catholics United supports H.R.1409
• Pax Christi USA

  Clicking this will add the following text:

  I know that the organization Pax Christi USA supports H.R.1409
• Catholic Scholars for Worker Justice

  Clicking this will add the following text:

  I know that the organization Catholic Scholars for Worker Justice supports H.R.1409
• Democratic National Committee

  Clicking this will add the following text:

  I know that the organization Democratic National Committee supports H.R.1409
• United Food and Commercial Workers International Union

  Clicking this will add the following text:

  I know that the organization United Food and Commercial Workers International Union supports H.R.1409
• United Auto Workers (UAW)

  Clicking this will add the following text:

  I know that the organization United Auto Workers (UAW) supports H.R.1409
• American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees

  Clicking this will add the following text:

  I know that the organization American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees supports H.R.1409
• Service Employees International Union (SEIU)

  Clicking this will add the following text:

  I know that the organization Service Employees International Union (SEIU) supports H.R.1409
• Economic Policy Institute

  Clicking this will add the following text:

  I know that the organization Economic Policy Institute supports H.R.1409
• American Rights at Work

  Clicking this will add the following text:

  I know that the organization American Rights at Work supports H.R.1409
• AFL-CIO

  Clicking this will add the following text:

  I know that the organization AFL-CIO supports H.R.1409
• Jobs with Justice

  Clicking this will add the following text:

  I know that the organization Jobs with Justice supports H.R.1409
• International Brotherhood of Teamsters

  Clicking this will add the following text:

  I know that the organization International Brotherhood of Teamsters supports H.R.1409
• American Federation of Teachers

  Clicking this will add the following text:

  I know that the organization American Federation of Teachers supports H.R.1409
• American Federation of Government Employees

  Clicking this will add the following text:

  I know that the organization American Federation of Government Employees supports H.R.1409
• United Mine Workers of America

  Clicking this will add the following text:

  I know that the organization United Mine Workers of America supports H.R.1409
• United Steelworkers

  Clicking this will add the following text:

  I know that the organization United Steelworkers supports H.R.1409
• Communication Workers of America

  Clicking this will add the following text:

  I know that the organization Communication Workers of America supports H.R.1409
• American Postal Workers Union

  Clicking this will add the following text:

  I know that the organization American Postal Workers Union supports H.R.1409
• National Association of Letter Carriers

  Clicking this will add the following text:

  I know that the organization National Association of Letter Carriers supports H.R.1409

Opposing Organizations

• U.S. Chamber of Commerce

  Clicking this will add the following text:

  I know that the organization U.S. Chamber of Commerce opposes H.R.1409
• Coalition for a Democratic Workplace

  Clicking this will add the following text:

  I know that the organization Coalition for a Democratic Workplace opposes H.R.1409
• National Stone, Sand, and Gravel Association

  Clicking this will add the following text:

  I know that the organization National Stone, Sand, and Gravel Association opposes H.R.1409
• American Apparel and Footwear Association

  Clicking this will add the following text:

  I know that the organization American Apparel and Footwear Association opposes H.R.1409
• Heritage Foundation

  Clicking this will add the following text:

  I know that the organization Heritage Foundation opposes H.R.1409
• Home Depot

  Clicking this will add the following text:

  I know that the organization Home Depot opposes H.R.1409
• National Mining Association

  Clicking this will add the following text:

  I know that the organization National Mining Association opposes H.R.1409
• Americans for Tax Reform

  Clicking this will add the following text:

  I know that the organization Americans for Tax Reform opposes H.R.1409
• American Health Care Association

  Clicking this will add the following text:

  I know that the organization American Health Care Association opposes H.R.1409
• American Frozen Food Institute

  Clicking this will add the following text:

  I know that the organization American Frozen Food Institute opposes H.R.1409
• American Hotel and Lodging Association

  Clicking this will add the following text:

  I know that the organization American Hotel and Lodging Association opposes H.R.1409
• Associated Builders and Contractors

  Clicking this will add the following text:

  I know that the organization Associated Builders and Contractors opposes H.R.1409
• National Grocers Association

  Clicking this will add the following text:

  I know that the organization National Grocers Association opposes H.R.1409
• National Electrical Manufacturers Association

  Clicking this will add the following text:

  I know that the organization National Electrical Manufacturers Association opposes H.R.1409
• National Petrochemical and Refiners Association

  Clicking this will add the following text:

  I know that the organization National Petrochemical and Refiners Association opposes H.R.1409
• American Hospital Association

  Clicking this will add the following text:

  I know that the organization American Hospital Association opposes H.R.1409
• American Meat Institute

  Clicking this will add the following text:

  I know that the organization American Meat Institute opposes H.R.1409
• Real Estate Roundtable

  Clicking this will add the following text:

  I know that the organization Real Estate Roundtable opposes H.R.1409
• National Association of Manufacturers

  Clicking this will add the following text:

  I know that the organization National Association of Manufacturers opposes H.R.1409
• citi bank

  Clicking this will add the following text:

  I know that the organization citi bank opposes H.R.1409

Most-commented sections of the bill text

• To amend the National Labor Relations Act to establish an efficient system to enable employees to form, join, or assist labor organizations, to provide for mandatory injunctions for unfair labor practices during organizing efforts, and for other purposes. (2 comments, Link )

  Clicking this will add the following text:

  specifically, this section of the legislation: "To amend the National Labor Relations Act to establish an efficient system to enable employees to form, join, or assist labor organizations, to provide for mandatory injunctions for unfair labor practices during organizing efforts, and for other purposes.",
• A BILL (1 comments, Link )

  Clicking this will add the following text:

  specifically, this section of the legislation: "A BILL",

Highest Rated User Comments

• On April 02, 2009, by heatherrm - The ignorance in these responses is amazing. What happened in your past that made you so scared and angry and close minded. I will give you credit for for one thing those that oppose this have an outstanding ability to quote portions of the act in a way that causes fear and doubt. The act is only 7 pages long. Anyone should be able to read that. I have contacted Republicans and Democrats in support and opposition of this and they have all clarified that this DOES NOT TAKE AWAY THE SECRET BALLOT! If 30% of the employees profess interest in forming a union they can file a petition to the NLRB requesting a secret ballot. The only thing that has changed about the secret ballot is who requests it. If a simple majority of employees wish to profess interest to the NLRB (50%+1) the employees union would be recognized. I would think you would support this as it would save tax payers dollars and the NLRB's time as the support is already there.

  Clicking this will add the following text:

  As noted by heatherrm, a user on OpenCongress.org, on April 02, 2009, "The ignorance in these responses is amazing. What happened in your past that made you so scared and angry and close minded. I will give you credit for for one thing those that oppose this have an outstanding ability to quote portions of the act in a way that causes fear and doubt. The act is only 7 pages long. Anyone should be able to read that. I have contacted Republicans and Democrats in support and opposition of this and they have all clarified that this DOES NOT TAKE AWAY THE SECRET BALLOT! If 30% of the employees profess interest in forming a union they can file a petition to the NLRB requesting a secret ballot. The only thing that has changed about the secret ballot is who requests it. If a simple majority of employees wish to profess interest to the NLRB (50%+1) the employees union would be recognized. I would think you would support this as it would save tax payers dollars and the NLRB's time as the support is already there. "
• On March 25, 2009, by ronbar87 - This is not an employee free choice act. It is a way for unions to take total control. It not only is taking away the choice to vote by secrete ballot, but also taking away the right of the people to not be a member if the union is voted in. My state has a right to work law that give us the right to work in a unionized company with out being a member of the union. Personally, I don't think anyone should be forced to be a member of anything they have to pay money to be a part of. And then to have the union tell them how to vote or who to vote for, to spend their due on a candidate that may not be the candidate of my choice. This is supposed to be a free country, forced unionization would take away many freedoms we now have. Supporting certain political candidates can prove to be detrimental to our rights and freedoms. Such as the way the union supported Barack Obama for president, and now everyone is concerned about our rights to own guns.

  Clicking this will add the following text:

  As noted by ronbar87, a user on OpenCongress.org, on March 25, 2009, "This is not an employee free choice act. It is a way for unions to take total control. It not only is taking away the choice to vote by secrete ballot, but also taking away the right of the people to not be a member if the union is voted in. My state has a right to work law that give us the right to work in a unionized company with out being a member of the union. Personally, I don't think anyone should be forced to be a member of anything they have to pay money to be a part of. And then to have the union tell them how to vote or who to vote for, to spend their due on a candidate that may not be the candidate of my choice. This is supposed to be a free country, forced unionization would take away many freedoms we now have. Supporting certain political candidates can prove to be detrimental to our rights and freedoms. Such as the way the union supported Barack Obama for president, and now everyone is concerned about our rights to own guns. "
• On March 16, 2009, by ibdarrel - to call this employee free choice act is a gross misnomer. it's more union open field act and puts the choice in the hands of those that apply the most pressure to employees

  Clicking this will add the following text:

  As noted by ibdarrel, a user on OpenCongress.org, on March 16, 2009, "to call this employee free choice act is a gross misnomer. it's more union open field act and puts the choice in the hands of those that apply the most pressure to employees"

Highly Rated Blog Articles

• 'Card check' or paychecks: You decide - April 13, 2011 by Amanda - That's why labor unions want to get the dishonestly named “[http://www.opencongress.org/bill/111-h1409/show Employee Free Choice Act]” passed. <imagemap> Image:BluegrassBeacon.png|right|400px poly 2 3 0 215 430 214 427 0 [[Bluegrass ...

  Clicking this will add the following text:

  As noted by Amanda on April 13, 2011, "That&#39;s why labor unions want to get the dishonestly named “[http://www.opencongress.org/bill/111-h1409/show Employee Free Choice Act]” passed. &lt;imagemap&gt; Image:BluegrassBeacon.png|right|400px poly 2 3 0 215 430 214 427 0 [[Bluegrass ..." (http://www.freedomkentucky.org/index.php?title='Card_check'_or_paychecks:_You_decide&diff=35396&oldid=prev)
• H.R.1409: Quality Health Care Coalition Act of ... - OpenCongress - April 06, 2011 by opencongress.org - H.R. 1409 (111th): Employee Free Choice Act of 2009. http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/111/hr1409. 46 Daily Kos. All Mitt's Flips. 27 March 2012. http://www.dailykos.com/story/2012/03/27/1077928/-All-Mitt-s-flips- .

  Clicking this will add the following text:

  As noted by opencongress.org on April 06, 2011, "H.R. 1409 (111th): Employee Free Choice Act of 2009. http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/111/hr1409. 46 Daily Kos. All Mitt&#39;s Flips. 27 March 2012. http://www.dailykos.com/story/2012/03/27/1077928/-All-Mitt-s-flips- ." (/url?q=http://www.opencongress.org/bill/112-h1409/show&sa=U&ei=0-eYT6ejKq322AWgv9j6Bg&ved=0CCsQmAEwAQ&usg=AFQjCNEKjZhMTi_A94FfISiaXqW7XvD7CA)
• H.R.1409: Quality Health Care Coalition Act of ... - OpenCongress - April 06, 2011 by opencongress.org - H.R. 1409 (111th): Employee Free Choice Act of 2009. http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/111/hr1409. 46 Daily Kos. All Mitt's Flips. 27 March 2012. http://www.dailykos.com/story/2012/03/27/1077928/-All-Mitt-s-flips- .

  Clicking this will add the following text:

  As noted by opencongress.org on April 06, 2011, "H.R. 1409 (111th): Employee Free Choice Act of 2009. http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/111/hr1409. 46 Daily Kos. All Mitt&#39;s Flips. 27 March 2012. http://www.dailykos.com/story/2012/03/27/1077928/-All-Mitt-s-flips- ." (/url?q=http://www.opencongress.org/bill/112-h1409/show&sa=U&ei=47uNT9K_DaPO2wXH2rGIDA&ved=0CCoQmAEwAQ&usg=AFQjCNGXXamxgc9nRoUyY6U3ScJAKSDovA)

Highly Rated News Articles

• Albany City legislators expected to support 'card-check' legislation - May 17, 2009 by Albany Business Journal - ...vote in favor of the Employee Free Choice Act resolution means that a council member “calls upon federal legislators to work toward its immediate enactment,” according to the resolution. The Employee Free Choice Act in Congress is bill H.R.1409 and

  Clicking this will add the following text:

  As noted by Albany Business Journal on May 17, 2009, "...vote in favor of the Employee Free Choice Act resolution means that a council member “calls upon federal legislators to work toward its immediate enactment,” according to the resolution. The Employee Free Choice Act in Congress is bill H.R.1409 and " (http://feeds.bizjournals.com/~r/bizj_albany/~3/T6RVHvDFJYs/daily1.html)
• Enactment Of The Employee Free Choice Act Will Reshape The - May 03, 2009 by The Metropolitan Coporate Counsel - In last month's edition of The Metropolitan Corporate Counsel , we discussed the proposed provisions of the Employee Free Choice Act ("EFCA") (HR 1409, ...

  Clicking this will add the following text:

  As noted by The Metropolitan Coporate Counsel on May 03, 2009, "In last month's edition of The Metropolitan Corporate Counsel , we discussed the proposed provisions of the Employee Free Choice Act ("EFCA") (HR 1409, ..." (http://www.metrocorpcounsel.com/current.php?artType=view&artMonth=May&artYear=2009&EntryNo=9664)
• EFCA- The Final Word? - April 30, 2009 by Hotel Interactive, Inc. - Section 2(a) of HR 1409 specifically states and I quote it in full once again, unlike Mr. Turkel's selective editing of the law: This section makes it ...

  Clicking this will add the following text:

  As noted by Hotel Interactive, Inc. on April 30, 2009, "Section 2(a) of HR 1409 specifically states and I quote it in full once again, unlike Mr. Turkel's selective editing of the law: This section makes it ..." (http://www.hotelinteractive.com/article.aspx?articleid=13516)