2007 House Resolution 21

Urge Congress to end secret ballots in union organizing drives

Offered in the House

Feb. 20, 2007

Offered by Rep. Fred Miller (D-31)

To urge Congress to enact the "Employee Free Choice Act" (EFCA), which would allow unions to organize the employees of a company by getting signatures from a majority in face-to-face meetings with union organizers, rather than though an election in which workers have the right to cast a secret ballot. EFCA would also mandate that binding arbitration be used to determine the wages and terms if negotiations on an initial contract after the recognition of a union reach an impasse.

Referred to the Committee on Labor

March 7, 2007

Adopted in the House by voice vote

Motion to reconsider by Rep. Dave Hildenbrand (R-86)

The vote by which the House adopted House Resolution No. 21. Note: Minority Republican members had sought a record roll call vote on the resolution, but the House majority leadership 'failed to hear' the motions for this, and instead passed it on a voice vote (using a 'fast gavel' technique that is not uncommon in the House).

The motion failed 49 to 54 (details)