CNS News posted an Associated Press story today about a seemingly minor change that has been made by the National Mediation Board in the way companies unionize. On Monday, the Obama Administration changed a 76-year old rule regarding union elections. Under the new rule, a company would recognize a union if a simple majority of workers who cast ballots favored organizing a union. Under the previous law, a majority of the total number of workers was needed--if a worker did not cast a ballot, it was counted as a 'no' vote.
According to the article:
"The change puts the airline and railroad industries under the same procedures as most other companies, which are overseen by the National Labor Relations Board."
The unions are hoping to use to new rule to organize unions in some of the major airlines. It will be interesting to see how this plays out. The recent recess appointment of Craig Becker to the National Labor Relations Board was supposed to pave the wave for 'card check' without having to go through the legislative process. It may be possible that with this new rule in effect, card check may not be necessary.
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