Chamber of Commerce hits Democratic Senate candidates on union bill

The Chamber has been one of the biggest opponents of EFCA. The group has lobbied heavily against the bill, arguing it would lead to job losses from strikes and union disruption. 

The labor movement considered the bill one of its top legislative priorities this Congress. Unions say it will help the economy by granting more workers collective bargaining rights, pushing up wages and benefits in the process.  

Despite the union support, EFCA has struggled to gain enough backing to move past an expected Republican-led filibuster in the Senate. 

Several Democratic centrists have distanced themselves from the bill, with some, such as Sen. Blanche Lincoln (D-Ark.), coming out against it. So far, EFCA has not had a vote in this Congress.

Republicans and business groups, however, remain on alert because Democrats could take up the bill in Congress’s lame-duck session after the elections. Union leaders have hinted at that being a possibility.

AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka told reporters last week to “stay tuned” about a possible vote on EFCA in the lame-duck session.