Harkin Praises NLRB’s Efforts to Modernize Election Rules

WASHINGTON – Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, released the following statement welcoming the National Labor Relations Board's (NLRB) decision to finalize modernized election rules, which will clear the way for workers to vote on unionization by streamlining regulatory processes:

“Today’s actions by the NLRB are an important step toward ensuring that every American worker has the same right that powerful CEOs take for granted—the right to negotiate the terms of their employment with an enforceable contract.  The rules will restore workers’ basic rights by leveling the playing field in union elections -- giving both sides a chance to make their case while ensuring a timely, up-or-down vote.

“I commend the NLRB for pursuing these vital reforms despite the unprecedented political crusade against this agency by Republican elected officials.  I hope the NLRB will continue to stand firm against these inappropriate attacks and continue to press forward with the additional reforms in the proposed rule.”

###