OBama Signs Pro-Labor Orders-More Trouble For Employers!
It’s simple! The democrats are back in charge! For employers, this is not going to be a good thing. California employers have enough to deal with. Friday, President Obama signed a series of executive orders that he says should “level the playing field” for labor unions in their struggles with management. Union officials say the new orders by Obama will undo Bush administration policies that favored employers over workers. Furthermore Obama expressed, “You cannot have a strong middle class without a strong labor movement.” James Hoffa, president of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, stated, “It’s a new day for workers.”
Now for those of you that are wondering what this means let me assure you that it is not a good thing for management. Union organizing activities will be on the rise. They will be recruiting on a large scale level to bring the union into as many work environments as possible. They are chasing the income from the dues that all employees will have to pay even if an employee does not want to be a part of the union. In addition, word has it that the vote to bring the union in will no longer be by secret ballot. This means that employees who do not want the union in, could be pressured into voting it in to avoid being harassed by those who want it. From an employee perspective, they could approach this as a good thing. They already feel that the employer has the upper hand and may reach out to the union to help them get pay increases as well as protection from being terminated. There are challenges ahead.
Complicating this matter even further are the do’s and don’ts of a union campaign. Employers have to be careful not to violate the process. Violations could land the employer in federal court. I have been down this path before. I have established a list of do’s and don’ts and have a one hour training session available for managers and supervisors. If you get approached by the union let me know right away. An “anti-union” campaign can be legally conducted but it has to be done a certain way.
It is clear from the Obama administration that the new president and the controlling democrats have an attitude that will favor the employee. Management, as usual, will have their backs against the wall. Potts & Associates will continue to help you wage the battle.
