AGC Members Voice Opposition to Employee Free Choice Act

On March 10, the "so-called" Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA) was introduced in both the House and the Senate. The legislation was introduced with significant Democratic support, but the total number of cosponsors was less than in 2007 and the Democratic leaders' expectations. The decrease in support indicates that the voices of businesses and other groups in opposition are reaching leaders on Capitol Hill. AGC members across the country have been especially vocal in their opposition by delivering over 15,000 messages to their elected officials through AGC's Legislative Action Center. While the response has been overwhelming, the expectation that Democratic leaders will move forward with the legislation remains, possibly later this spring or summer. The legislation would deprive millions of employees the right to a private vote when deciding whether or not to unionize. It would hurt construction workers and make it very difficult for small construction companies to grow, hire or succeed. This legislation could also lead to federally mandated employment terms for construction firms. Though most of the focus of this bill has been the impact on open shop employers and their employees, EFCA is also likely to have a negative effect on union contractors and their 8(f) "pre-hire agreements." Visit www.agc.org/efca to learn more about the impact of EFCA on union contractors, view the white paper, or download a podcast of the impact EFCA will have on employers. AGC encourages members to continue to use AGC's Legislative Action Center to write and let their Members of Congress know their opposition to EFCA. AGC also urges employers to communicate with their management level employees and direct them to the Legislative Action Center as well. Currently, the grassroots campaign has been successful and will need to continue in the states of swing senators in Colorado, Louisiana, Arkansas, Virginia, Nebraska and North Carolina. These senators must not only oppose passage of EFCA, but must also oppose procedural votes such as cloture votes on EFCA.