Young says EFCA preserves secret ballot

Contrary to the claims of the business lobby, the Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA) would actually preserve the right to a secret ballot in union organizing, says Rep. Don Young (R-Alaska).

Young, one of the few Republicans who favors EFCA, said a secret ballot was still an option under the controversial legislation.

“I believe in unions. I believe in working people. They say the secret ballot is eliminated. That’s not true. A secret ballot can be requested,” Young told a gathering of constituents last week. (h/t: Greg Sargent)

Under the legislation, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) would certify a union if a majority of employees sign a card. The law would take away employers’ right to demand a secret ballot election after such cards are presented, as they can do under current law. Employees could still choose to hold an election instead of using the card-check process.

According to the Anchorage Daily News, the constituent who asked Young the question was none too happy about the response he got.

“What you just said is almost enough to make me vote against you,” the constituent responded.

24% of Alaska’s workforce is represneted by unions, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. That’s the third highest rate in the nation.