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Colorado small business owners and faith leaders are supporting federal legislation that would allow workers to form a union through signing cards instead of holding a so-called secret ballot election.

The Employee Free Choice Act this week and last has gained the support of over 225 small businesses, as well as a coalition of more than 120 faith leaders from around the state.

“America’s faith traditions are nearly unanimous in support of the right of workers to organize free from employer retaliation,” said Rev. Dr. Dana Wilbanks, an ethics professor at Iliff School of Theology in Denver. “By using sacred text and tradition, our faith compels us to support the Employee Free Choice Act and to support the freedom of workers to collectively bargain for a shot at a better life for themselves and their families.”

What the bill would do

The federal legislation would allow workers to form a union by getting a majority of workers to sign cards to join instead of holding a so-called secret ballot election. Employers are currently allowed to decide whether workers must hold an election or organize via the so-called “card check” system.

Critics, however, say the measure would subject workers to “intimidation by union bosses” by taking away the element of ballot secrecy, said Dick Wadhams, chairman of the Colorado Republican Party.

Business owners are also opposed to the fact that the measure would triple damages for employers who fire union supporters or break other labor laws. The legislation would also mandate that a government arbitrator intervene if employers and workers cannot reach a contract within 120 days.

Udall’s, Bennet’s support sought

Local small business owners are encouraging U.S. Sens. Michael Bennet and Mark Udall — both Democrats — to back the legislation in its current form.

While Udall has not taken an “official” position on the current piece of legislation, he has supported similar legislation in the past. And during a debate last year with then-opponent Bob Schaffer, Udall said publicly that he supports the Employee Free Choice Act.

“The Bush Administration has been missing in action when it comes to the National Labor Relations Board’s responsibilities,” said Udall at the time. “The purpose of the Employee Free Choice Act has been to level the playing field to ensure that people in the workplace have access to those benefits and those salary rights and those working conditions that keep them productive, keep them efficient and keep the balance that we all know is so important between management and labor.” 

Bennet has been more ambiguous on the topic. His office pointed out yesterday that the bill’s lead negotiator, Sen. Tom Harkin, D-Iowa, has himself said that here are not enough votes for the current bill to move forward. 

Bennet, as well as several other Democrats, are anxiously waiting to see if Harkin is able to strike a deal between business and labor.

“I support efforts to reach a compromise,” said Bennet. “The question before us as we move forward is how to preserve the legitimate rights of workers to organize free from intimidation and the legitimate interest of small business to respond nimbly during our economic recovery.”

Meanwhile, Colorado members of Small Businesses for an Equitable Economy are calling on Bennet and Udall to back the current piece of legislation. They say unionized workers make one-third more in wages and are 52 percent more likely to have health care.

Terri Monley, owner of Gate City Moving in Denver, said the current state of the economy is reason enough to support the legislation.

“It’s time our economy worked for everyone again,” she said. “We have a fundamental economic problem: The middle class is disappearing in America. Congress needs to pass the Employee Free Choice Act because it is one of the most important steps we can take to strengthen our middle class and turn our economy around.”

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