Enzi: National Mediation Board Rule Reverses 75 Years Of Labor Policy to Benefit Unions Instead of Workers

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mike Enzi (R-Wyo.), Ranking Member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, voiced his strong support of Senator Johnny Isakson’s resolution disapproving of a new National Mediation Board rule that changes how railway and airline employees are unionized under the Railway Labor Act.

“The new rule has changed the way employees’ votes are counted in order to favor the union.  For 75 years, not voting at all has counted as a no vote.  Now, employees who do not vote will lose any chance to weigh in on the question of union representation,” Enzi said. The Railway Labor Act is explicitly clear, but the new rule, which requires only a majority of those voting to support a union, conflicts with the plain language of the law.

“I want to thank the Senator from Georgia, Mr. Isakson for offering this resolution to send a message to the National Mediation Board that when they seek a change in policy, they must do so within their constitutional and legal authority,” Enzi concluded.

Please follow the link to view a video clip of Senator Enzi's floor speech.