“535” – Why is this number so important to you? They’re not the winning numbers in a ‘Cash 3’ lotto drawing. Well, at least not mine! But, I guess in a way . . . they still have something to do with gambling, if you’ll allow a little license here.
“535” is the total number of Congress-people we elect to represent us in Washington D.C. A very small number to reflect the wishes, ideas, goals and viewpoints of nearly 300 million of us, wouldn’t you agree?
A perfect system then . . . this Democracy of ours when so few are supposed to know what so many of us are concerned about, and want they to do on our behalf? No, in reality, it isn’t a perfect system. But, it sure beats the heck out of anything else out there. And besides . . if it were any more, we might never get them all to show up and vote. Heck, ever try to get four family members to agree on where you’re going to grab a bite to eat for dinner?”
So again – the question: why should this number be of such significance to me? Very simply this. On a day-to-day basis, they have the power to suggest, support and vote for (or against) legislation that has vast and far-reaching impact . . . from Barrow, AK to Key West and from Northern Maine to San Diego. And yes – everywhere else in between.
So it goes with the Employee Free Choice Act, or ‘E.F.C.A.’ This is a law relating to business and industry of all shapes and sizes in our country, the likes of which we haven’t seen in over 50 years! A law which passed the House of Representatives last year and very nearly passed in the Senate. A law which, if a Democrat is elected as our next President in November, will almost assuredly become law before the Ides of March, 2009!
Now I don’t plan to wax politically or philosophically here. Far wiser and learned people than I have done that on this subject and will definitely continue to do so in the months ahead. And I’m not concerned whether your personal viewpoint is pro-union or you’re more oriented towards being union-free.
The point is this: one of “the” main guiding principles our founding fathers agreed upon when our country was established, was the basic right to vote. Yes, a right we sometimes take far too lightly and profess to be too busy to exercise. Nonetheless, it is STILL one of the main reasons our country is different from so many others on the globe.
And, while we are ‘too busy’ to notice or read beyond the headlines or the clever naming and packaging of this legislation . . . one of the main objectives in it is their right to vote, to take away your right to a vote on the subject as to whether or not you choose to join a union.
That’s right. ‘535’ people can decide for you . . . your neighbor . . . your co-worker – everyone out there, whether or not you even the chance to vote on this subject, should an organizing drive begin at your job.
How could this come about? How would that happen, you ask?
One of the 3 main tenets of this proposal is that if 50% – plus ‘1’ – signed an authorization card . . . the union would gain the right to bypass the normal election process, and call for “demand recognition” or “card-check recognition” with your employer. They would have the right to meet with your company, present their proof of interest on your part, and suggest dates that both sides could meet to begin contract negotiation.
Oh, and . . . if both sides couldn’t reach complete agreement on all items within this first contract within 90 days – an arbitrator would be appointed to decide the contract for everyone, which must be adhered to for two years. An arbitrator who knows nothing about your industry and company’s challenges, or your individual feelings and concerns.
That’s absolutely right. As crazy as it sounds, . . . those people we voted to represent us in D.C. would be voting to take away . . deny you the right to even have a vote!
Since when did ‘minority rule’ become part of the American way, or our justice system?
