America’s third largest party warns concerned citizens that plans to scrap the right of workers to a secret ballot in union elections are far from dead. Libertarians also warn that such "card check" legislation also destroys hundreds of thousands of jobs as the nation attempts to revive its economy.
“The right to vote by secret ballot is one of our most cherished institutions for a reason. It protects people from those who would use violence or intimidation to achieve their goals,” said William Redpath, Libertarian National Committee Chair.
“The card check bill currently in Congress that strips workers of their basic voting rights in union organizing matters is far from dead, and it threatens not just workers’ rights and safety, but it threatens people’s jobs as well,” said Redpath.
Card check allows a union to organize by confronting employees with a so-called “signature card” supporting the creation of a union in their work place. The union would maintain control and possession of the cards, along with the names and personal information of the employees, until they get enough signatures to force unionization. In many cases, the person demanding the signature would be the employee’s supervisor.
"A good union shouldn't fear a secret ballot. Stripping workers of that right only empowers bad unions to organize through coercion," said Redpath.
Allowing a union to form by simply coercing workers to publicly sign cards could force businesses to slash as many as 600,000 jobs nationwide, according to research from The Alliance To Save Main Street.
74 percent of rank-and-file union workers oppose the card check legislation in Congress, a January 2009 McLaughlin & Associates poll finds.
Once a majority of workers submit to the signature card demands, the union could then begin collecting dues from the workers’ paychecks without ever having a secret ballot election on the matter.
“These signature cards strip workers of their right to a secret ballot, allowing an unscrupulous union boss to organize a workplace by simply bullying or threatening a minority of the workforce into signing signature cards,” said Redpath. “There’s a reason we don’t allow signature cards in elections for political office, and those concerns over violence and intimidation are just as valid in the workplace.”
It would also allow union bosses to pocket an additional $7 billion in forced dues, according to the National Right to Work Committee. Much of that $7 billion could find its way into the campaign accounts of card check supporters, through extensive union political donations, giving senators much incentive to pass the forced unionism-friendly bill.
The bill is considered stalled in the Senate after past supporters Arlen Specter (R-PA), Blanche Lincoln (D-AR), and Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) announced they could not support the bill as written. But the impending arrival of Senator-elect Al Franken (D-MN) may give anti-ballot forces the votes they need to pass card check, and any changes to the bill allow Specter, Lincoln or Feinstein to switch their allegiance back.
“Opponents of secret ballot voting rights want you to think card check is dead. They’re wrong. Voters, especially voters in Pennsylvania, Arkansas and California, need to call their senator at 202-224-3121 and tell them to oppose the very-much-alive card check bill,” said Redpath.
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Showing posts with label secret ballots. Show all posts
Showing posts with label secret ballots. Show all posts
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Friday, March 13, 2009
Coalition for a Democratic Workplace Calls on Senator Warner to Clarify Position on Anti-Worker Card Check Bill
/PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Coalition for a Democratic Workplace (CDW) today called on Senator Warner to remove any uncertainty surrounding his position on the Employee Free Choice Act. The Employee Free Choice Act -- or "card check" bill will effectively eliminate secret ballots for workers in union organizing elections and bind employers to contracts that inhibit their ability to create much-needed new jobs.
"Senator Warner can't have it both ways by voting for cloture and voting against final passage. For workers, a vote for cloture is a vote to take away their right to a secret ballot," said Brian Worth with the Coalition for a Democratic Workplace.
Cloture is an important procedural vote in the Senate that ends debate on a particular piece of legislation and allows it to proceed to a vote for final passage. Sixty votes are required for cloture, whereas a simple majority is needed for final legislative passage. As a result, if the Employee Free Choice Act receives 60 cloture votes, it will pass the Senate. A vote for cloture is a vote for the bill.
Recent press reports and statements have raised questions about whether Senator Warner will vote for or against this anti-worker legislation:
"Virginia's new Sen. [Mark] Warner, continues to maintain radio silence about his party's No. 1 priority: the card check bill. Perhaps that's an indication he harbors doubts about the measure. But it would be even better if Warner would publicly announce his opposition."
- Where's Warner? Richmond Times-Dispatch editorial, January 7, 2009
"Besides the high stakes nationally -- and the rise of labor's political clout -- the card-check issue has created a unique conundrum for Virginia's freshman senator, Mark R. Warner. Unlike Sen. Jim Webb, a fellow Virginia Democrat who co-sponsored the bill, Warner refused to take a clear position on EFCA during his fall campaign. ...In a prepared statement for Virginia Business, Warner says, "I believe there is a need for reform in this area, and this legislation should be debated and voted upon by the Senate."
"Privacy and the secret ballot elections are at stake for millions of American workers and they deserve a clear, straightforward answer from Senator Warner about his position on the Employee Free Choice Act," said Worth.
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"Senator Warner can't have it both ways by voting for cloture and voting against final passage. For workers, a vote for cloture is a vote to take away their right to a secret ballot," said Brian Worth with the Coalition for a Democratic Workplace.
Cloture is an important procedural vote in the Senate that ends debate on a particular piece of legislation and allows it to proceed to a vote for final passage. Sixty votes are required for cloture, whereas a simple majority is needed for final legislative passage. As a result, if the Employee Free Choice Act receives 60 cloture votes, it will pass the Senate. A vote for cloture is a vote for the bill.
Recent press reports and statements have raised questions about whether Senator Warner will vote for or against this anti-worker legislation:
"Virginia's new Sen. [Mark] Warner, continues to maintain radio silence about his party's No. 1 priority: the card check bill. Perhaps that's an indication he harbors doubts about the measure. But it would be even better if Warner would publicly announce his opposition."
- Where's Warner? Richmond Times-Dispatch editorial, January 7, 2009
"Besides the high stakes nationally -- and the rise of labor's political clout -- the card-check issue has created a unique conundrum for Virginia's freshman senator, Mark R. Warner. Unlike Sen. Jim Webb, a fellow Virginia Democrat who co-sponsored the bill, Warner refused to take a clear position on EFCA during his fall campaign. ...In a prepared statement for Virginia Business, Warner says, "I believe there is a need for reform in this area, and this legislation should be debated and voted upon by the Senate."
"Privacy and the secret ballot elections are at stake for millions of American workers and they deserve a clear, straightforward answer from Senator Warner about his position on the Employee Free Choice Act," said Worth.
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Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Democrat Leadership Is Already Facing Opposition To Card Check From Within Its Own Party, says Republican National Committee
/PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The following was released today by the Republican National Committee:
Yesterday, Democrats Rolled Out Their Card Check Proposal. "Democrats on Tuesday introduced controversial labor legislation making it easier for workers to organize, formally kicking off the biggest lobbying fight between business and labor in decades." (Kevin Bogardus, "Democrats Introduce Card Check, Vow To Move It," The Hill, 3/10/09)
The Bill Would Allow Workers To Bypass Secret Ballots To Form Unions. "The most contentious provision in the bill, known as 'card-check,' would allow workers to bypass secret ballot elections to form unions if a majority of them sign petition cards stating their intention to organize." (Kevin Bogardus, "Democrats Introduce Card Check, Vow To Move It," The Hill, 3/10/09)
Rank And File Senate Democrats Are Already Wavering On Card Check:
Some Key Democrats In The Senate Are Wavering On Card Check. "Key Senate Democrats are wavering in their support of legislation that would give more power to labor unions, dealing a setback to labor's top priority as businesses warn of the damage the bill would cause." (Melanie Trottman and Brody Mullins, "Labor Bill Faces Threat In Senate," The Wall Street Journal, 3/10/09)
Six Senators Who Have Previously Supported Card Check Are Now Either Opposed Or Unsure. "At least six Senators who have voted to move forward with the so-called card-check proposal ... now say they are opposed or not sure -- an indication that Senate Democratic leaders are short of the 60 votes they need for approval." (Melanie Trottman and Brody Mullins, "Labor Bill Faces Threat In Senate," The Wall Street Journal, 3/10/09)
Sen. Blanche Lincoln (D-AR) Called Card Check "Divisive And Distracting" And Said Congress Needed To Focus On "Things That Are More Important." "The legislation is divisive and distracting, said Arkansas Sen. Blanche Lincoln in an interview Monday. The Democratic lawmaker, who was previously seen as a supporter, said the Senate should focus on creating jobs and improving the U.S. economy. 'I have 90,000 Arkansans who need a job, that's my No. 1 priority,' she said. The legislation, she said, would be 'divisive and we don't need that right now. We need to focus on the things that are more important.'" (Melanie Trottman and Brody Mullins, "Labor Bill Faces Threat In Senate," The Wall Street Journal, 3/10/09)
Sens. Mary Landrieu (D-LA) And Mark Pryor (D-AR) Have "Backed Off Their Previous Support." "Louisiana Sen. Mary Landrieu and Arkansas Sen. Mark Pryor are among the Democratic lawmakers who have backed off their previous support." (Melanie Trottman and Brody Mullins, "Labor Bill Faces Threat In Senate," The Wall Street Journal, 3/10/09)
-- Pryor: There Are More Pressing Issues For The Senate To Address. "Like
Sen. Lincoln, Sen. Pryor said there are more pressing issues relating
to the economy that the Senate should be addressing, one of his aides
said Monday." (Melanie Trottman and Brody Mullins, "Labor Bill Faces
Threat In Senate," The Wall Street Journal, 3/10/09)
Sen. Ben Nelson (D-NE): "I can't be supportive of [Card Check] as it is right now." ("Despite Introduction Of Card-Check, Senate Lacks 60 Votes," National Journal's CongressDaily, 3/10/09)
The Split Among Democrats On Card Check Shows How Difficult Other Democrat Agenda Items Like Health Care Could Become. "The splits among Democrats underscore how difficult it will be for party leaders to move their agenda through the congressional process, even with large majorities on Capitol Hill. On such issues as health care and global warming, Democratic leaders will face divisions within their own party that are expected to require some compromise to reach 60 votes." (Melanie Trottman and Brody Mullins, "Labor Bill Faces Threat In Senate," The Wall Street Journal, 3/10/09)
Billionaire Investor And Obama Economic Adviser Warren Buffet Opposes Card Check, Citing The Importance Of The Secret Ballot:
Warren Buffett: "I'm Against Card Check." Buffett: "I think the secret ballot's pretty important in the country. I'm against card check to make a perfectly flat statement." (CNBC's "Squawk Box," 3/9/09)
During The Campaign, Buffett Was One Of Obama's Economic Advisers. "Buffett is one of the names Obama includes on that list of core advisers, along with former Federal Reserve Chairman Paul Volcker, Google Chairman Eric Schmidt, former Treasury Secretaries Robert Rubin and Larry Summers, and former Labor Secretary Bob Reich." (Alex Crippen, "Warren Buffett Gets The Call As Barack Obama Gathers His Economic Advisers Today," CNBC's "Warren Buffet Watch" Blog, www.cnbc.com, 7/28/08)
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Yesterday, Democrats Rolled Out Their Card Check Proposal. "Democrats on Tuesday introduced controversial labor legislation making it easier for workers to organize, formally kicking off the biggest lobbying fight between business and labor in decades." (Kevin Bogardus, "Democrats Introduce Card Check, Vow To Move It," The Hill, 3/10/09)
The Bill Would Allow Workers To Bypass Secret Ballots To Form Unions. "The most contentious provision in the bill, known as 'card-check,' would allow workers to bypass secret ballot elections to form unions if a majority of them sign petition cards stating their intention to organize." (Kevin Bogardus, "Democrats Introduce Card Check, Vow To Move It," The Hill, 3/10/09)
Rank And File Senate Democrats Are Already Wavering On Card Check:
Some Key Democrats In The Senate Are Wavering On Card Check. "Key Senate Democrats are wavering in their support of legislation that would give more power to labor unions, dealing a setback to labor's top priority as businesses warn of the damage the bill would cause." (Melanie Trottman and Brody Mullins, "Labor Bill Faces Threat In Senate," The Wall Street Journal, 3/10/09)
Six Senators Who Have Previously Supported Card Check Are Now Either Opposed Or Unsure. "At least six Senators who have voted to move forward with the so-called card-check proposal ... now say they are opposed or not sure -- an indication that Senate Democratic leaders are short of the 60 votes they need for approval." (Melanie Trottman and Brody Mullins, "Labor Bill Faces Threat In Senate," The Wall Street Journal, 3/10/09)
Sen. Blanche Lincoln (D-AR) Called Card Check "Divisive And Distracting" And Said Congress Needed To Focus On "Things That Are More Important." "The legislation is divisive and distracting, said Arkansas Sen. Blanche Lincoln in an interview Monday. The Democratic lawmaker, who was previously seen as a supporter, said the Senate should focus on creating jobs and improving the U.S. economy. 'I have 90,000 Arkansans who need a job, that's my No. 1 priority,' she said. The legislation, she said, would be 'divisive and we don't need that right now. We need to focus on the things that are more important.'" (Melanie Trottman and Brody Mullins, "Labor Bill Faces Threat In Senate," The Wall Street Journal, 3/10/09)
Sens. Mary Landrieu (D-LA) And Mark Pryor (D-AR) Have "Backed Off Their Previous Support." "Louisiana Sen. Mary Landrieu and Arkansas Sen. Mark Pryor are among the Democratic lawmakers who have backed off their previous support." (Melanie Trottman and Brody Mullins, "Labor Bill Faces Threat In Senate," The Wall Street Journal, 3/10/09)
-- Pryor: There Are More Pressing Issues For The Senate To Address. "Like
Sen. Lincoln, Sen. Pryor said there are more pressing issues relating
to the economy that the Senate should be addressing, one of his aides
said Monday." (Melanie Trottman and Brody Mullins, "Labor Bill Faces
Threat In Senate," The Wall Street Journal, 3/10/09)
Sen. Ben Nelson (D-NE): "I can't be supportive of [Card Check] as it is right now." ("Despite Introduction Of Card-Check, Senate Lacks 60 Votes," National Journal's CongressDaily, 3/10/09)
The Split Among Democrats On Card Check Shows How Difficult Other Democrat Agenda Items Like Health Care Could Become. "The splits among Democrats underscore how difficult it will be for party leaders to move their agenda through the congressional process, even with large majorities on Capitol Hill. On such issues as health care and global warming, Democratic leaders will face divisions within their own party that are expected to require some compromise to reach 60 votes." (Melanie Trottman and Brody Mullins, "Labor Bill Faces Threat In Senate," The Wall Street Journal, 3/10/09)
Billionaire Investor And Obama Economic Adviser Warren Buffet Opposes Card Check, Citing The Importance Of The Secret Ballot:
Warren Buffett: "I'm Against Card Check." Buffett: "I think the secret ballot's pretty important in the country. I'm against card check to make a perfectly flat statement." (CNBC's "Squawk Box," 3/9/09)
During The Campaign, Buffett Was One Of Obama's Economic Advisers. "Buffett is one of the names Obama includes on that list of core advisers, along with former Federal Reserve Chairman Paul Volcker, Google Chairman Eric Schmidt, former Treasury Secretaries Robert Rubin and Larry Summers, and former Labor Secretary Bob Reich." (Alex Crippen, "Warren Buffett Gets The Call As Barack Obama Gathers His Economic Advisers Today," CNBC's "Warren Buffet Watch" Blog, www.cnbc.com, 7/28/08)
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Monday, March 9, 2009
Utah 1st State to Give Voters Right to Constitutionally Secure Secret Ballots, Will Be on 2010 Ballot
SOS Ballot Secures Public Vote in Utah for Secret Ballot Constitutional Amendment; 1st State to Give Voters Right to Constitutionally Secure Secret Ballots Strongly Backed by Gov. Huntsman, Sen. Hatch, AG Shurtleff
/PRNewswire/ -- A constitutional amendment to guarantee the use of secret ballots in Utah elections, including in union organizing elections, has passed the Utah State Senate, ensuring a place on the November 2010 ballot. House Joint Resolution 8 was introduced in the State House by Rep. Carl Wimmer (R-Herriman), where the measure also passed with a 2/3rd vote earlier in the week. The amendment had the strong backing of Governor Huntsman, US Senator Orrin Hatch and Utah Attorney General Mark Shurtleff, and becomes the first of what is likely to be a dozen or more states to place constitutional guarantees for secret ballots before the voters. Attorney General Shurtleff is a member of the National Advisory Board of Save Our Secret Ballot, the national group organizing similar movements in states throughout the country.
SOS Ballot National Advisory Board Chairman Rep. Ernest Istook commented, "Utahans are fortunate to have leaders like Rep. Wimmer as well as Governor Huntsman, Senator Hatch and Attorney General Shurtleff who understand just how imperiled and vulnerable the right to a secret ballot is. We applaud their leadership in making this issue a top priority and look forward to working with them to make sure Utahans never have to fear losing their right to a secret ballot. While Utah is the first state, it will soon be joined by other states in giving voters the right to protect the secret ballot. We won in Utah because voters want secret ballots protected. We will win in a dozen or more states this election cycle because voters are appalled that Congress would acquiesce to the extreme demands of Union bosses and threaten the right to a secret ballot."
Similar efforts have been launched by SOS Ballot in Arkansas, Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Missouri, Nevada, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Carolina and South Dakota with additional states soon to be announced. The 47-word amendment says:
"The right of individuals to vote by secret ballot is fundamental. Where state or federal law requires elections for public office or public votes on initiatives or referenda, or designations or authorizations of employee representation, the right of individuals to vote by secret ballot shall be guaranteed."
Utah Governor John Huntsman extended his support to HJR 8 with the following statement:
"It is ever important for Utahans to have the right to vote their conscience in areas that are critical to their democratic representation and the representation within their employment without the fear of retribution or persecution. This constitutional amendment would ensure that individuals will be constitutionally guaranteed the right to a secret ballot for these types of important election. This issue is fundamental to our economic development efforts as a State and safeguards our State's long tradition of being a 'right to work' state Â- a position that is grounded in individual rights and freedoms," he continued.
Recent public opinion polls taken in the states where SOS Ballot has announced efforts show huge public support of 81% to 94%, with Union members even more supportive of the constitutional guarantee for a secret ballot than non-union members.
The secret ballot was used locally as an act of post-Civil war southern reconstruction, first as a way to impose a literacy requirement on newly freed slaves. But the secret ballot also protected mostly black voters who faced physical intimidation, even lynching, depending on how their vote was cast. Secret ballots were first used statewide in the Massachusetts governor's race 1888 and nationally in 1892 to elect President Grover Cleveland.
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/PRNewswire/ -- A constitutional amendment to guarantee the use of secret ballots in Utah elections, including in union organizing elections, has passed the Utah State Senate, ensuring a place on the November 2010 ballot. House Joint Resolution 8 was introduced in the State House by Rep. Carl Wimmer (R-Herriman), where the measure also passed with a 2/3rd vote earlier in the week. The amendment had the strong backing of Governor Huntsman, US Senator Orrin Hatch and Utah Attorney General Mark Shurtleff, and becomes the first of what is likely to be a dozen or more states to place constitutional guarantees for secret ballots before the voters. Attorney General Shurtleff is a member of the National Advisory Board of Save Our Secret Ballot, the national group organizing similar movements in states throughout the country.
SOS Ballot National Advisory Board Chairman Rep. Ernest Istook commented, "Utahans are fortunate to have leaders like Rep. Wimmer as well as Governor Huntsman, Senator Hatch and Attorney General Shurtleff who understand just how imperiled and vulnerable the right to a secret ballot is. We applaud their leadership in making this issue a top priority and look forward to working with them to make sure Utahans never have to fear losing their right to a secret ballot. While Utah is the first state, it will soon be joined by other states in giving voters the right to protect the secret ballot. We won in Utah because voters want secret ballots protected. We will win in a dozen or more states this election cycle because voters are appalled that Congress would acquiesce to the extreme demands of Union bosses and threaten the right to a secret ballot."
Similar efforts have been launched by SOS Ballot in Arkansas, Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Missouri, Nevada, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Carolina and South Dakota with additional states soon to be announced. The 47-word amendment says:
"The right of individuals to vote by secret ballot is fundamental. Where state or federal law requires elections for public office or public votes on initiatives or referenda, or designations or authorizations of employee representation, the right of individuals to vote by secret ballot shall be guaranteed."
Utah Governor John Huntsman extended his support to HJR 8 with the following statement:
"It is ever important for Utahans to have the right to vote their conscience in areas that are critical to their democratic representation and the representation within their employment without the fear of retribution or persecution. This constitutional amendment would ensure that individuals will be constitutionally guaranteed the right to a secret ballot for these types of important election. This issue is fundamental to our economic development efforts as a State and safeguards our State's long tradition of being a 'right to work' state Â- a position that is grounded in individual rights and freedoms," he continued.
Recent public opinion polls taken in the states where SOS Ballot has announced efforts show huge public support of 81% to 94%, with Union members even more supportive of the constitutional guarantee for a secret ballot than non-union members.
The secret ballot was used locally as an act of post-Civil war southern reconstruction, first as a way to impose a literacy requirement on newly freed slaves. But the secret ballot also protected mostly black voters who faced physical intimidation, even lynching, depending on how their vote was cast. Secret ballots were first used statewide in the Massachusetts governor's race 1888 and nationally in 1892 to elect President Grover Cleveland.
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Wednesday, January 21, 2009
National Movement to Protect Secret Ballots in State Constitutions: Save Our Secret Ballot Launches in GA, OK, SC, SD and ND
/PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- With Congress poised to act to end the secret ballot rights of employees choosing representation, a national movement to protect the secret ballot in state constitutions launched today in Washington DC and in five states. Entitled SOS Ballot - Save Our Secret Ballot - the new group announced its efforts to place before voters a secret ballot constitutional amendment in Georgia, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota and North Dakota, with the expectation that additional states will be announced in the coming weeks.
SOS Ballot National Advisory Board Chairman and former Congressman Ernest Istook said, "Most of us assume voting by secret ballot in America is a constitutional right that has always existed and always will. But neither is the case. With America's right to a secret ballot under serious threat, I'm proud to be part of a citizens' movement to give voters the opportunity to vote by secret ballot, to amend state constitutions to guarantee the right of a secret ballot. We know some in Congress and some from big labor will fight this effort or even arrogantly say the people do not have a right to vote to protect their secret ballot. But rather than deter us, we take this as the proof that we must work diligently in every state to protect and re-affirm our secret ballot rights. The more vocal the opposition, the more every voter will see why we must act immediately, lest we lose the secret ballot and return to the time when voter intimidation and even physical harm were common place."
The initiative language was written by noted attorney and constitutional scholar Clint Bolick, director of the Goldwater Institute's Scharf-Norton Center for Constitutional Litigation. The Goldwater Institute has pledged its efforts for legal defense of the language if challenged. The 47-word amendment says:
"The right of individuals to vote by secret ballot is fundamental. Where state or federal law requires elections for public office or public votes on initiatives or referenda, or designations or authorizations of employee representation, the right of individuals to vote by secret ballot shall be guaranteed."
The SOS Ballot National Advisory Board Members include*
Ernest Istook, Chairman, Former member of Congress
Gilbert Baker, Arkansas State Senator, Former ARGOP Chair
Clint Bolick, Goldwater Institute, Director Scharf-Norton Center for Constitutional Litigation
Jonathan Johnson, President, Overstock.com
Adam Hasner, Florida House Majority Leader
Paul Jacob, Citizens in Charge, Founder US Term Limits
John Loudon, Missouri State Senator
Mark Meierhenry, Former South Dakota Attorney General
Brian M Johnson, Executive Director, Alliance for Worker Freedom
Sydney Hay, President, Arizona Mining Association
* associations used for identification purposes only, please check http://www.sosballot.org/ for contact info for state leaders
Secret Ballot History
The secret ballot was used locally as an act of post-Civil war southern reconstruction, first as a way to impose a literacy requirement on newly freed slaves. But the secret ballot also protected mostly black voters who faced physical intimidation, even lynching depending on how their vote was cast. Secret ballots were first used statewide in the Massachusetts governor's race 1888 and nationally in 1892 to elect President Grover Cleveland.
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SOS Ballot National Advisory Board Chairman and former Congressman Ernest Istook said, "Most of us assume voting by secret ballot in America is a constitutional right that has always existed and always will. But neither is the case. With America's right to a secret ballot under serious threat, I'm proud to be part of a citizens' movement to give voters the opportunity to vote by secret ballot, to amend state constitutions to guarantee the right of a secret ballot. We know some in Congress and some from big labor will fight this effort or even arrogantly say the people do not have a right to vote to protect their secret ballot. But rather than deter us, we take this as the proof that we must work diligently in every state to protect and re-affirm our secret ballot rights. The more vocal the opposition, the more every voter will see why we must act immediately, lest we lose the secret ballot and return to the time when voter intimidation and even physical harm were common place."
The initiative language was written by noted attorney and constitutional scholar Clint Bolick, director of the Goldwater Institute's Scharf-Norton Center for Constitutional Litigation. The Goldwater Institute has pledged its efforts for legal defense of the language if challenged. The 47-word amendment says:
"The right of individuals to vote by secret ballot is fundamental. Where state or federal law requires elections for public office or public votes on initiatives or referenda, or designations or authorizations of employee representation, the right of individuals to vote by secret ballot shall be guaranteed."
The SOS Ballot National Advisory Board Members include*
Ernest Istook, Chairman, Former member of Congress
Gilbert Baker, Arkansas State Senator, Former ARGOP Chair
Clint Bolick, Goldwater Institute, Director Scharf-Norton Center for Constitutional Litigation
Jonathan Johnson, President, Overstock.com
Adam Hasner, Florida House Majority Leader
Paul Jacob, Citizens in Charge, Founder US Term Limits
John Loudon, Missouri State Senator
Mark Meierhenry, Former South Dakota Attorney General
Brian M Johnson, Executive Director, Alliance for Worker Freedom
Sydney Hay, President, Arizona Mining Association
* associations used for identification purposes only, please check http://www.sosballot.org/ for contact info for state leaders
Secret Ballot History
The secret ballot was used locally as an act of post-Civil war southern reconstruction, first as a way to impose a literacy requirement on newly freed slaves. But the secret ballot also protected mostly black voters who faced physical intimidation, even lynching depending on how their vote was cast. Secret ballots were first used statewide in the Massachusetts governor's race 1888 and nationally in 1892 to elect President Grover Cleveland.
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Friday, January 9, 2009
Republican National Committee: Will Rep. Hilda Solis Face Questions About Her Own Support for Secret Ballots for Congress But Not for Workers?
/PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The following was released today by the Republican National Committee:
Today, The U.S. Senate Will Hold A Hearing For President-Elect Obama's Department Of Labor Nominee, Rep. Hilda Solis (D-CA):
Solis Will Be Testifying At Her Senate Confirmation Hearing On Friday. "On Friday, Mr. Kennedy's panel will question Representative Hilda Solis, who has been chosen to be the Labor Secretary." (Kate Philips, "Confirmation Hearings Update," The New York Times' "The Caucus" Blog, thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com, 1/7/09)
In 2007, Solis Signed A Letter Protesting The Absence Of A Secret Ballot For The Congressional Hispanic Caucus' Election:
Solis Joined Other Female Democrats To Protest The Fact That The Congressional Hispanic Caucus' Election Was Held Without The Traditional Secret Ballot. "[Rep. Loretta] Sanchez said that beyond the personal problems she has with Baca, the fact that the caucus' election was held without the traditional secret ballot was a key issue she has with the group. Sanchez, her sister, Rep. Linda Sanchez, and Reps. Nydia Velazquez, D-N.Y. and Hilda Solis, D-El Monte, wrote a letter to Baca on Jan. 5 calling for a new election." (Dena Bunis, "Sanchez's Ears Burning," The Orange County Register, 2/2/07)
-- The Letter Argued That "It Is Imperative That Our Caucus' Integrity Be
Unquestioned." "'As we prepare for the 110th Congress in which the
Congressional Hispanic Caucus will have the opportunity to play a more
prominent role, we believe it is imperative that our Caucus' integrity
be unquestioned,' they said in the letter. The letter got no
response." (Dena Bunis, "Sanchez's Ears Burning," The Orange County
Register, 2/2/07)
But Solis Supports The "Employer Free Choice Act," Which Would Get Rid Of The Secret Ballot For Workers:
Solis Co-Sponsored The "Employer Free Choice Act." (H.R. 800, Introduced 2/5/07)
Solis: "I rise in support of H.R. 800, the Employee Free Choice Act. As the daughter of union family -- my father was a Teamster and my mother worked tirelessly for twenty five years -- I know that my seven siblings and I would not be where we are today without the wages, health coverage and retirement benefits my parents received." (Rep. Hilda Solis, "Rep. Solis Issues Statement In Support Of H.R.800, Employee Free Choice Act," Press Release, 3/1/07)
Solis: "The Employee Free Choice Act provides more protections for workers, and levels the playing field for those who want to join a union. I urge you to vote for H.R.800." (Rep. Hilda Solis, "Rep. Solis Issues Statement In Support Of H.R.800, Employee Free Choice Act," Press Release, 3/1/07)
Solis Received High Marks From Labor Unions:
Solis Has A 97 Percent Lifetime Rating From The AFL-CIO. (AFL-CIO Website, www.aflcio.org, Accessed 1/8/09)
-- In 2007, Solis Received A 100 Percent Rating From The AFL-CIO.
(AFL-CIO Website, www.aflcio.org, Accessed 1/8/09)
Solis Has A 100 Percent Career Rating From AFSCME. (AFSCME Website, www.afscme.org, Accessed 1/8/09)
In 2008, Solis Received A 100 Percent Rating From SEIU. (SEIU Website, capwiz.com, Accessed 1/8/09)
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Today, The U.S. Senate Will Hold A Hearing For President-Elect Obama's Department Of Labor Nominee, Rep. Hilda Solis (D-CA):
Solis Will Be Testifying At Her Senate Confirmation Hearing On Friday. "On Friday, Mr. Kennedy's panel will question Representative Hilda Solis, who has been chosen to be the Labor Secretary." (Kate Philips, "Confirmation Hearings Update," The New York Times' "The Caucus" Blog, thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com, 1/7/09)
In 2007, Solis Signed A Letter Protesting The Absence Of A Secret Ballot For The Congressional Hispanic Caucus' Election:
Solis Joined Other Female Democrats To Protest The Fact That The Congressional Hispanic Caucus' Election Was Held Without The Traditional Secret Ballot. "[Rep. Loretta] Sanchez said that beyond the personal problems she has with Baca, the fact that the caucus' election was held without the traditional secret ballot was a key issue she has with the group. Sanchez, her sister, Rep. Linda Sanchez, and Reps. Nydia Velazquez, D-N.Y. and Hilda Solis, D-El Monte, wrote a letter to Baca on Jan. 5 calling for a new election." (Dena Bunis, "Sanchez's Ears Burning," The Orange County Register, 2/2/07)
-- The Letter Argued That "It Is Imperative That Our Caucus' Integrity Be
Unquestioned." "'As we prepare for the 110th Congress in which the
Congressional Hispanic Caucus will have the opportunity to play a more
prominent role, we believe it is imperative that our Caucus' integrity
be unquestioned,' they said in the letter. The letter got no
response." (Dena Bunis, "Sanchez's Ears Burning," The Orange County
Register, 2/2/07)
But Solis Supports The "Employer Free Choice Act," Which Would Get Rid Of The Secret Ballot For Workers:
Solis Co-Sponsored The "Employer Free Choice Act." (H.R. 800, Introduced 2/5/07)
Solis: "I rise in support of H.R. 800, the Employee Free Choice Act. As the daughter of union family -- my father was a Teamster and my mother worked tirelessly for twenty five years -- I know that my seven siblings and I would not be where we are today without the wages, health coverage and retirement benefits my parents received." (Rep. Hilda Solis, "Rep. Solis Issues Statement In Support Of H.R.800, Employee Free Choice Act," Press Release, 3/1/07)
Solis: "The Employee Free Choice Act provides more protections for workers, and levels the playing field for those who want to join a union. I urge you to vote for H.R.800." (Rep. Hilda Solis, "Rep. Solis Issues Statement In Support Of H.R.800, Employee Free Choice Act," Press Release, 3/1/07)
Solis Received High Marks From Labor Unions:
Solis Has A 97 Percent Lifetime Rating From The AFL-CIO. (AFL-CIO Website, www.aflcio.org, Accessed 1/8/09)
-- In 2007, Solis Received A 100 Percent Rating From The AFL-CIO.
(AFL-CIO Website, www.aflcio.org, Accessed 1/8/09)
Solis Has A 100 Percent Career Rating From AFSCME. (AFSCME Website, www.afscme.org, Accessed 1/8/09)
In 2008, Solis Received A 100 Percent Rating From SEIU. (SEIU Website, capwiz.com, Accessed 1/8/09)
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Thursday, January 8, 2009
Coalition for a Democratic Workplace Calls on 111th Congress to Oppose Anti-Worker Employee Free Choice Act
/PRNewswire/ -- The 500-member Coalition for a Democratic Workplace (CDW) today (January 7) released a letter it delivered to every member of the 111th Congress. In the letter, CDW urged members of the Senate and House "to oppose all efforts to pass any provision included in the Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA H.R. 800/S. 1041 in the 110th Congress)."
"We wanted to take the opportunity to remind members of Congress of the overwhelming opposition from the business community, their constituents and union households to this anti-worker legislation," said Brian Worth with the Coalition for a Democratic Workplace. "This bill is a job-killer and fundamentally undemocratic."
The letter also stated:
"This legislation poses not only an assault on an individual's
right to privacy, but a direct threat to economic growth and job
creation. Particularly at a time of economic uncertainty, Congress
should not enact measures that threaten our economic
competitiveness, including the Employee Free Choice Act.
Furthermore, this legislation would have a particularly
devastating impact on small employers who are the primary source
for new jobs in our economy."
President-elect Obama's Administration and the new Congress will face its first true test early next year in the form of the anti-worker Employee Free Choice Act -- that allows unionization without secret ballots for workers. This Act, more aptly titled the Employee "Forced" Choice Act, is nothing short of a full-frontal assault on American democracy and worker privacy. Backed by union special interests and their Congressional allies, the anti-worker bill would effectively strip employees of the right to vote in private when deciding whether or not to join a union.
"It's ironic that members of Congress, all of whom were just elected by secret ballot, would even consider legislation that would remove that right for millions of American workers," added Worth.
CDW survey data indicates that support for maintaining private ballots in union organizing cuts across party lines. By a significant majority, Democrats, Republicans and Independents support maintaining a worker's right to cast their vote in private. Even among union households, a significant majority (69%) oppose the Employee Free Choice Act. And 76% of union voters say having a federally supervised secret ballot election is the best way to protect workers' rights when organizing a union.
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"We wanted to take the opportunity to remind members of Congress of the overwhelming opposition from the business community, their constituents and union households to this anti-worker legislation," said Brian Worth with the Coalition for a Democratic Workplace. "This bill is a job-killer and fundamentally undemocratic."
The letter also stated:
"This legislation poses not only an assault on an individual's
right to privacy, but a direct threat to economic growth and job
creation. Particularly at a time of economic uncertainty, Congress
should not enact measures that threaten our economic
competitiveness, including the Employee Free Choice Act.
Furthermore, this legislation would have a particularly
devastating impact on small employers who are the primary source
for new jobs in our economy."
President-elect Obama's Administration and the new Congress will face its first true test early next year in the form of the anti-worker Employee Free Choice Act -- that allows unionization without secret ballots for workers. This Act, more aptly titled the Employee "Forced" Choice Act, is nothing short of a full-frontal assault on American democracy and worker privacy. Backed by union special interests and their Congressional allies, the anti-worker bill would effectively strip employees of the right to vote in private when deciding whether or not to join a union.
"It's ironic that members of Congress, all of whom were just elected by secret ballot, would even consider legislation that would remove that right for millions of American workers," added Worth.
CDW survey data indicates that support for maintaining private ballots in union organizing cuts across party lines. By a significant majority, Democrats, Republicans and Independents support maintaining a worker's right to cast their vote in private. Even among union households, a significant majority (69%) oppose the Employee Free Choice Act. And 76% of union voters say having a federally supervised secret ballot election is the best way to protect workers' rights when organizing a union.
-----
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Fayetteville, Peachtree City, Tyrone
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