Labor Issues
Card-Check Agreements Resolution (SF 543, Tomassoni/HF 554, Nelson)
Issue Overview: This is a resolution urging Congress to support the Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA). The EFCA is a dramatic rewrite of labor law and how union certification elections are handled. This measure abolishes the secret ballot vote that is critical to making a private decision regarding the important issue of collective bargaining in the workplace. Under EFCA, if a union can simply get a majority of workers at a business to sign union cards, all employees will be subject to collective bargaining and the union dues and rules that generally accompany it.
The EFCA eliminates the long cherished and fundamental right to a government protected secret ballot election and the opportunity for the employer to communicate their views on this critical decision through the current election process. It also raises concerns about potential intimidation since there is no secret ballot. A similar bill to the federal has been introduced at the state level this year as well, but will not move this year.
Issue Status: This resolution is on the floor in the House and has already passed the Senate.
NFIB Position: We strongly oppose the EFCA resolution.
What to Do: Contact your state lawmakers and urge them to oppose the resolution and uphold the secret ballot process for union elections.
Minimum Wage Hike Beyond the Likely New Federal Wage of $7.25 Per Hour Effective July 2009 (SF 875, Anderson/HF 456 Rukavina)
Issue Overview: Despite the fact that the Federal Government has finally acted on a minimum wage hike and raised the wage all the way up to $7.25 starting in July 2009, liberal advocates in Minnesota want to raise our state's minimum wage beyond $7.25, up to $7.90 per hour and then ties the wage to inflation so that it would bump up with the increases in CPI.
Issue Status: The Senate passed similar legislation 40-23 in 2007 session. The House companion is currently awaiting action on the House floor.
NFIB Position: We are opposed to raising the minimum wage beyond the federal.
What to Do: Contact your legislators and urge them to keep the state's wage consistent to the federal.
Reform Healthcare Component of Workers' Compensation
Issue Overview: Healthcare costs in the workers' compensation system are spiraling out of control and the workers compensation system is one of the most generous in reimbursing healthcare facilities and providers for services. This area needs to be reformed by reducing reimbursements to hospitals and healthcare providers.
Issue Status: Unfortunately only a minor agreement has been reached this year that will not reduce healthcare costs within a workers' compensation system.
NFIB Position: NFIB strongly supports the reform of the health-care component of workers' compensation.
Workplace Communications: (SF 539, Tomassoni/HF 611, Anzelc)
Issue Overview: This bill allows union activists to use the employer provided computer to aid them in their organizing efforts. This bill is also preempted by the National Labor Relations Act. It is likely the current National Labor Relations Board will not allow this if Minnesota passes this bill, it will likely be preempted by the National Labor Relations Act and more than likely invalidated in federal court.
Issue Status: HF 611 passed out the House Commerce and Labor Committee and was sent to the House Public Safety and Civil Justice Committee. The Senate companion has been introduced and is before the Business, Industry and Jobs Committee.
NFIB Position: We strongly oppose this legislation.
What to Do: Contact your lawmakers and urge them to oppose this legislation.
