Union Big: We Have Backing Of Three Key Senators On Employee Free Choice
Updated below with response from the offices of Senator Pryor and Landrieu.
Okay, this is pretty interesting: On a conference call with reporters today, AFL-CIO legislative director Bill Samuel made it explicit: The forces fighting to get the Employee Free Choice Act passed are certain that they have the support of three key Senators.
The three: Blanche Lincoln, Mark Pryor, and Mary Landrieu.
If true, this would be a big deal. The pro-business forces opposing Employee Free Choice have been lobbying those three, among others, pretty hard. And people in both camps had agreed that the three are among the fence-sitters.
On the call today, a reporter asked Samuel: “Are you confident that you have Lincoln and
Pryor?”
“Yes, we’re confident,” Samuel replied. Later in the call Samuel was asked the same about Landrieu, and he again replied Yes.
The support of those Senators would be key in getting the pro-Employee Free Choice forces closer to the magic number of 60. I’ve checked in with the offices of the three Senators and I’ll keep you posted.
Update: Senator Pryor’s office sends over the following statement:
This legislation is not perfect, and while I have been supportive in the past, I will consider amendments to make it better if and when it is considered by the Senate. The open legislative process is what makes laws better, including committee consideration. Labor and the business community can find common ground on this issue, but so far, neither side is currently open to compromise.
Not confirming that he’s on board with Employee Free Choice, but not denying it, either.
Update II: Senator Landrieu’s office sends over this:
“Senator Landrieu is carefully reviewing the issue. She understands that it is a heated debate and wants to make an informed decision. Part of that process is actively meeting with interested groups on both sides. Senator Landrieu is also reviewing the proposed bill.”
Also not confirming — or denying — that she’s on board.
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You’re on all the calls and making all the email contacts, too. I’m impressed.
This is going to be a fight, but the unions will win it, I believe.
hey Tena — both sides think it’s gonna be super intense, a serious nail-biter in the Senate. I have no idea how it turns out.
O I have no doubt it’s going to be intense and close.
Great news, Greg. If true, in your view, are we beginning to see the outlines of the likely “final head count” in the Senate on EFCA?
The only reason big businesses and their working-class stooges oppose Card Check is because the legislation will make it harder for management to artificially decrease wages.
The Coalition for a Democratic Workplace EXPOSED ! They Demand “Secret Ballot” Elections and ” Worker Privacy” but Then Demand That Senators Disclose Publicly Their Positions on How They are Going to Vote on The EFCA and Cloture!