Introduction
Union membership ethical debate. The card-check option. The need for a labor law reform.
Organized Labor
- What is a labor union?
- organized group of workers.
- Weaker labor union movement.
- 10% of the US workforce (Byars & Stanberry, 2018)
Unionization
Federally protected activity (Hartmans, 2021). The National Labor Relations Act (the Wagner Act). Freedom to organize, bargain collectively, and strike.
The Taft-Hartley Act
- prohibits contracts that require union membership.
- “right-to-work” laws (Hiltzik, 2019).
- strong anti-union sentiment.
The Taft-Hartley Act (2)
Outlawed closed shops, sit-down strikes, mass picketing, and secondary boycotts. Replaced “card check” process. Organized labor still seeks restoration.
Steps to Form a Union
- Organizing Committee.
- Membership card campaign.
- Secret-ballot election.
- Union contract signature.
Employee Free Choice Act (1)
Purpose: remove current barriers to union formation:
- restores the “card check”;
- eliminates the secret ballot.
Employee Free Choice Act (2)
Guarantees workers a contract. Strengthens penalties against companies (civil penalties, treble back pay, and injunctive remedies). The main provisions are present in the PRO Act 2019.
Pros of the Card Check
Simplifies a union formation process. Contributes to stronger unions nationwide. In line with a sense of solidarity and fairness (Brusseau, 2018).
Cons of the Card Check
Violates workers’ deepest rights. Creates room for intimidation and forced unionization (Vernuccio & Shields, 2019). Forces everyone to pay dues.
Sides of the Debate (1)
Democrats and union organizations support the PRO Act because:
- it decreases the impact of big business and management (Gonyea, 2021);
- corrects wages and wealth inequality.
- Amazon Case.
Sides of the Debate (2)
Republicans and big business groups are against it because:
- disrupts the economy;
- undermines workers’ rights;
- violates individual freedoms.
Conclusion
The card-check legislation may harmonize the US economy. Empower workers and unions. However, it possesses a threat to individual rights and US democratic principles.
References
Brusseau, J. (2018). The business ethics workshop. FlatWorld.
Byars, S. M., & Stanberry, K. (2018). Business ethics. OpenStax.
Gonyea, D. (2021). House Democrats pass bill that would protect worker organizing efforts. NPR.
Hartmans, A. (2021). Amazon workers in Alabama have a few hours left to vote on whether to join a union. Here’s how unions work and why many companies oppose labor organizers. Insider. Web.
Hiltzik, M. (2019). Column: The key to union resurgence is repeal of the Taft-Hartley Act. Los Angeles Times. Web.
Vernuccio, V. F., & Shields, M. (2019). PRO Act’s stealth “card check” option gives unions unfair advantage. The Hill.