Harkin Statement In Support of NLRB Final Rule to Modernize Union Election Process

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA), Chairman of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, issued the following statement today in support of the National Labor Relations Board's (NLRB) final rule to reform and modernize the union representation process.

“Today the NLRB has taken an important step in their continued efforts to ensure that workers, unions, and employers have access to a fair, transparent, and efficient election process,” Harkin said. “The final rule announced today will help to address the unnecessary delays and frivolous legal challenges that keep workers from getting a fair, up-or-down vote in the current union election process. Implementing this rule will support the Board’s mission to ensure workers are able to participate in fair elections within a reasonable period of time. This will benefit both workers and employers and should not be a partisan issue.

“By moving forward with the commonsense and balanced reforms in this rule, the NLRB will help to strengthen the union election process and ensure all workers are able to have a voice in the workplace, as is their right under the law.  The Board plays a critical role in our economy, and our country is stronger when all workers are able to speak up for the wages and benefits they deserve.”

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