Okay, I posted this in the comments section of another diary. I am going to see if can get some information and discussion here.
I have been in and out of the union movement for a while. UNITE HERE and the teamsters. I hate to admit that I have not followed this issue as closely as I should so enlighten me.
I just want to make sure that I have my facts straight on the alleged "secret ballot issues".
1). Under Taft-Hartley a certain percentage (50+ ?) of worker need to sign union cards to request union representation.
2). within 60 days the company will have an election, to determine whether or not the shop is open or closed.
3). within those 60 days, the company can bring in employees for "discussion sessions with human resources" Where they hear only one side of the story. They can be intimidated. The union is not allowed to present their side of the story.
There is nothing that prevents the company for hiring a bunch of temps to dilute the election.
These "secret ballots" are only monitored by the company, the union cannot have a representative there.
If you happen to be in a "right to work state" or part of a "at will agreement" you could be terminated and blacklisted.
Basically, the company gets to determine the election and the union has no say.
4). Basically, the new reform would say that once that threshold of card signers has been reached that there is a union hence the election would not happen and a secret ballot would be a moot point.
I admit that my knowledge on this is very limited. This is just what I have picked up from very cursory readings and the general gist of my understandings of this issue.
If anyone else could fill in any blanks or correct me that would be appreciated.
Please do so politely, or I will have to call the shop steward on you. Opps, unions are only for issues between managment and employees not between members, I guess I will have to handle it myself.