IOWA SMALL BUSINESS CHEERS AS MEASURE TO BLOCK NLRB AMBUSH RULE MOVES TO PRESIDENT’S DESK

DES MOINES (March 20, 2015) – The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) today is applauding the House passage of a resolution of disapproval to block a new rule giving unions an unfair advantage in labor elections.

 

“Small business in Iowa was frustrated with NLRB’s recently approved and we are extremely pleased that the House passed a measure to block the measure which heavily favors unions,” said NFIB Iowa State Director Kristin Failor. “The ruling gives unions an unfair advantage over small businesses.” 

 

The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) recently approved a rule that would shorten the time between when a union petition is filed and when a company must allow a union election to take place.  The rule could force an election as soon as two weeks after the business is notified. Previously, business owners had a little over a month to talk to their workers about the consequences of unionizing and make the legal preparations necessary. Earlier this month, the Senate also passed the same resolution of disapproval to terminate the “ambush election” rule.  The rule is set to take effect on April 14th. 

 

“That tilts the game strongly in favor of the union because the small business owner has very little time to educate their workers and secure legal counsel to help navigate the unionization process,” Failor said. “Unions, however, can plan for weeks, even months in advance because they already have the infrastructure in place.”

 

NFIB sent separate letters to the members of the Senate and House urging them to pass a resolution disapproving the rule under the Congressional Review Act. Now that the Senate and House have both passed resolutions, the measure will be sent to the President’s desk for a final decision. 

 

“Unfortunately it’s anticipated that The President will veto the measure, but he’ll have to explain to Iowan’s on the record why unions deserve another big advantage over small business owners,” said Failor.

For more information visit www.NFIB.com