McCain: Employee Free Choice Act Is A ‘Threat’ To ‘Democracy’
McCain: Employee Free Choice Act Is A ‘Threat’ To ‘Democracy’
Today in an interview with CNBC, Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) blasted unions:
But this is — we’ve been talking about it for a long time — this is a threat to the fundamental of labor-management relations. It’s fundamental to democracy, the right to have a secret ballot.
The way that Senator Obama envisions — and the unions, and this is their big push, they’ve gotten commitments from Senator Obama and Senator Biden — union organizer goes to your house and says, Hey, Joe, can I sign you up for the union?
That is — we all know what that opens the door to. It’s dangerous for America, it’s dangerous to small business. And I think it’s a threat to one of the fundamentals of democracy.
McCain added that he would veto the Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA) in a “New York minute.” Watch it:
Despite McCain’s claim, the EFCA preserves workers’ rights to secret balloting. However, it also gives workers the option to form a union through a “card-check” system, in which a union would be recognized if a majority of workers signed a petition testifying to their desire to organize.
Right now, there isn’t a true balance in “labor-management relations”; management has all the power. Workers can only use a card-check system if their employers approve it. CAPAF’s David Madland writes on other problems with the current process:
Employers legally can force workers to attend anti-union meetings, including “one-on-one conversations” with supervisors, which happens in over 90 percent of organizing campaigns, according to a Cornell University study. And according to research by University of Oregon professor Gordon Lafer, workers often are pressured by employers to reveal their private preferences for the union. This takes the “secret” out of the “secret ballot” — the most common conservative mischaracterization of current union organizing rules.
Not only do unions improve the quality of life for American workers, but workplaces with a card-check system experience less hostility and polarization between management and employees. ThinkProgress received a reaction to McCain’s comments from Tom Woodruff, International Executive Vice President of SEIU and Director of the Strategic Organizing Center at Change to Win:
Workers who unite in unions have fairer pay and benefits—and when working families have more in their paychecks to spend, it stimulates economic growth. … Workers need a simple, easy way to join unions without management interference. The Employee Free Choice Act provides for workers to have a union when a majority sign up — majority rule, that is the American Way.
McCain’s indignation that organizers may go to people’s homes to persuade them to vote a certain way also seems odd. Perhaps he will be pulling his door-to-door canvassing operation as well?
Transcript:
BARTIROMO: There are many issues I’d like to get to. In addition to taxes, unions. Why haven’t you made the union issue a campaign issue? That is, the right to have a secret ballot. Why isn’t this a major issue on your agenda?
MCCAIN: You know, we’ve talked about it a lot. And, unfortunately, there’s three or four issues that you can get out strongly. But this is — we’ve been talking about it for a long time — this is a threat to the fundamental of labor-management relations. It’s fundamental to democracy, the right to have a secret ballot.
The way that Senator Obama envisions — and the unions, and this is their big push, they’ve gotten commitments from Senator Obama and Senator Biden — union organizer goes to your house and says, Hey, Joe, can I sign you up for the union?
That is — we all know what that opens the door to. It’s dangerous for America, it’s dangerous to small business. And I think it’s a threat to one of the fundamentals of democracy.
BARTIROMO: Will you veto the bill?
MCCAIN: In a New York minute, if I may say that. I will do everything in my power to block such legislation.
And imagine, Senator Obama, Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid pushing the union agenda, it’d be very, very, very unfortunate.
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42 Responses to “McCain: Employee Free Choice Act Is A ‘Threat’ To ‘Democracy’”
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McCain doesn't care. He just wants to be President.
October 28th, 2008 at 7:14 pmMcCain Vows To Veto Employee Free Choice Act: Union Organizing Is A ‘Threat’ To ‘Democracy’»
- - Gosh, now there's a disingenuous headline.
October 28th, 2008 at 7:14 pmYeah, we know, we remember, before republicans took over and rayguy started a concerted effort to destroy our unions.
We had workers with two automobiles and their kids were going to college for the first time ever....etc.
yeah, we know what is bad for "small business" as you put it johnny. Thanks for caring about business over your fellow Americians, again.
October 28th, 2008 at 7:17 pmUnions are like representatives. Representation is a key part of democracy. Start representing the people John.
October 28th, 2008 at 7:18 pmThere has never - ever - been a capaign as dishonest, sleazy, & smear-filled as McCain's. Does he say anything honest? Does he ever talk about his own ideas-- rather than spend almost all his time attacking Obama with lies? Recruiting Joe (not his name) the plumber (not his licensed profession)to push McCain/Palin lies? Is this so they can say-- "We didn't say that-- Joe did!"? Is McCain proud of how he has destroyed his own reputation?
October 28th, 2008 at 7:31 pmThe true nature of McCain's ugliness has really come out today.
October 28th, 2008 at 7:32 pmMcCain added that he would veto the Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA) in a “New York minute.”
You will never have a veto pen, you flaky inconsiderate bastard, so why don't you wrap in blankets for next Tuesday's annihilation and put in your retirement papers after you lose. Spend more time in your seven homes and give Arizona a break.
October 28th, 2008 at 7:33 pmi don't NOW understand the animosity towards unions...
but, i DO remember a time when even i was pissed off at the unions who operated here... yellow freight first... they were always striking and the demands seemed excessive... then the printers... same thing... and i worked there, twice... yellow freight moved out... lots of jobs lost... not long ago the printer finally closed down... after changing owners several times... the other big union shop, fedders, closed also... then the non-union sherwin-williams came to town... mostly to get out of the unionized chicago area...
i was told the other day about our very own mr.potter who has played a part in now keeping the unions out of this town to keep down the wages of his own construction and warehousing businesses... funny, he turned the printing plant into the warehouse facility...
i'm ramblin'... but i get it now... just wonder why the unions wanted to shoot themselves in the foot back in the 70s/80s...
October 28th, 2008 at 7:34 pmDear John,
My name is not "Joe" you stupid tool.
Perhaps you would do better if you were not to lump everyone under a vague generalization.
Oh well, you don't care about us and we really don't care about you either so, you can go away now and not be missed.
Sincerely,
I'm not "Joe"
October 28th, 2008 at 7:35 pmOctober 28th, 2008 at 7:38 pm
No, Mr. Maverick, REPUBLICANS ARE!.
October 28th, 2008 at 7:39 pmthe danger to small business = workers will insist on higher wages...
October 28th, 2008 at 7:45 pmto match their unionized friends' wages...
pretty soon EVERYbody wants to make good money...
Rich people don't like it = Republicans don't like it.
That's all their "philosophy" amounts to. In every case, in every instance.
October 28th, 2008 at 7:45 pmRecords matter!
October 28th, 2008 at 7:49 pmThis whole argument about lower taxes based on 'small businesses' as the vehicle for job growth is ridiculous.
Where are the jobs?
United States companies PAY one of the lowest tax rates in the world. Where are the jobs we had before this ragtag crew started to run the operation?
Put up or shut up!
Racism and division is all the republicans have left. In 8 years, an even smaller percentage of the electorate will identify with the 1960 scare lingo the party thrives on.
How many people voting in this election do you suppose haven't the slightest clue who Karl Marx is?
Terrorism isn't going to be the new communism/socialism!
October 28th, 2008 at 7:49 pmThey were by that time being run by mob boss leftovers from the 20's-50's..
The companies had the police and hired pinkertons. To win against that the unions were forced to form an unholy alliance with organized crime and they stayed involved.....to this day in fact.
Still doesn't take away from the overall good that unions and union ideals have had for the American working class. Just a sad footnote indicating that decisions have consequenses.
Remember, 40 hour work week, overtime, breaks, child labor laws, etc. all the result of union efforts.
October 28th, 2008 at 7:49 pmThis guy and his threats of the destruction of the fabrics of democracy.
October 28th, 2008 at 7:51 pmHmmm.... to Joe the Plumber: don't you belong to the plumber's union?
As for People being allowed to join unions: Every right that the American worker (union or not) has today is because a union somewhere fought for it.
Working eight to 5.
Lunch breaks.
Coffee breaks.
A 40 hour work week.
Health care.
Safe working conditions.
FAIR PAY.
Is there corruption in every system? Sure. But Without Labor, there is no product, and without a product, there is no profit. Capitalism fails at this point.
And what ( besides weapons) does America make anymore?
October 28th, 2008 at 7:53 pmWhat's dangerous to "small business" is "Big Bidnuss!"
Big Bidnuss exists in order to, and because it can, buy and close competitors, or better yet, drive small businesses OUT of business.
I was a Union man for quite a while. UBCJ for 10 years, and AFTRA for a while before that. I was also active in AAUP, later. I foget who exactly said it--Joe Hill, perhaps: If you have a boss, you need a union.
October 28th, 2008 at 7:53 pmJust wondering, about this over-the-top fearmongering.
It's been used successfully many times in the past, as we all know; but what happens to this well-worn republican strategy, if there is an electoral blowout, especially in the districts where it was used the most? What if the only republicans who survive, are the ones who campaigned on their ability to "reach across the aisle?"
There will be a few areas that return their rabid-right representatives, if for no other reason than tradition - but what of the others? If the moderates are victorious, will the next election (in '10) see a different tone in campaigning? If the fear and smear stuff is heavily-repudiated by voters in most regions, will there be less of the "elitist/commie/socialist/terrorist-sympathizer" rhetoric?
I mean, ultimately it's a matter of cost-effectiveness, right? Unless group-testing shows it still to be persuasive, that is.
October 28th, 2008 at 7:53 pmEveryone owes it to themselves to see this video. Let it go viral. Spread it around.
http://dailykos.com/
October 28th, 2008 at 7:54 pmTo that, add:
October 28th, 2008 at 7:55 pmPaid vacations.
Health insurance (sure it sucks but its better than nothing)
I was wondering why the wingnuts were screeching about "secret ballots". Thanks TP.
October 28th, 2008 at 8:01 pmOctober 28th, 2008 at 8:18 pm
What I meant to say was:
“Joe the Plumber” isn’t actually a licenced plumber, remember?
October 28th, 2008 at 8:21 pmSo he couldn’t be a member of the plumbers’ union...
So much for Governor Mooseburger's talk about how much she and Todd just loooove them some unions. I'd say Uncle Nutzi pulling his William McKinley impression just put another nail in the Pennsylvania coffin.
October 28th, 2008 at 8:31 pmWe don't have to ask why McIIIrd hates American workers.
A. They work. He doesn't.
B. He's a management shill, married to a CEO.
C. He's never really worked a goddamn day in his life since his military career went in the shitter.
Muck you FcIIIrd!
October 28th, 2008 at 8:36 pmChoice is a threat to democracy. Now that's really laughable.
October 28th, 2008 at 8:42 pmMcCain should join the union for privileged rich white smart a$$es.....Oh yeah that's the GOP. Son of an Admiral, dumped first wife for rich, rich, rich heiress.....who better represent the interests of the wealthy elite?
October 28th, 2008 at 9:13 pmYeah, but you know; all us union folks are communo-socialist-anarchists bent on destroying the fabric of democracy by asking for a fair return on our labor. Only subservient stupid scum would acquiesce in bending over forwards and backwards to be screwed by capitalist pigs right????
October 28th, 2008 at 10:14 pmI have a good life largely because I have a Union Job. We need to promote Unionism and this is a good first step. Notice the right is ALWAYS for big business banding together to promote THEIR interests but when people especially workers do the same they become apoplectic
October 28th, 2008 at 10:21 pmI put the points made in this blog post into a map structure to get some clarity: http://hive.austhink.com/hive/map/uo11ik/
What's immediately clear is that McCain doesn't exactly have a detailed and well-thought-out argument about the Employee Free Choice Act - at least, not as presented to CNBC! Good points, Terkel and co.
October 28th, 2008 at 10:48 pmAs it is, a union organizer can go to your house now and ask if they can sign you up for the union. Nothing wrong with that. McCain seems to have a fundamental miisunderstanding about what this act would even do. http://straighttalkonmccain.blogspot.com/
October 28th, 2008 at 11:53 pm.
For nealy 100 years, Unions have been the bread and butter to improving the working conditions and now McAntiunion has something against them... Hummmmmm!
.
October 29th, 2008 at 1:05 amMcCain should have just had a screen crawl that said "I heart big business". Seriously, the man couldn't be any more of a union buster who'd like the Walmart model to be an economic model that's enforceable by a backdoor law.
This man and his backstabbing running mate go out with a straight face and scream that Barack Obama misleads Americans?! McCain is a shining example of how karma can kick your arse when you sellout to the devils you battled against in your own backyard. And he needs to be the one to forever stop the monster that is Othello Palin.
October 29th, 2008 at 1:13 amWalmart's backing Blinky and Winky?
Guess Blinky doesn't approve of Labor Day either.
October 29th, 2008 at 1:41 amSo the party of outsourcing and bailing out CEO's making 20 million a year is now worrying about the working man? that's rich
October 29th, 2008 at 5:55 amNow wingnuts are worried about the secret ballot and the integrity of our election process? HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!
October 29th, 2008 at 6:23 amIs this the "best material" the McCain-Palin camp was saving for the end?
October 29th, 2008 at 7:20 amOkay, so McCain thinks citizens voting and workers getting representation & fair wages are "threats to our democracy." I guess I see these more as threats to our oligarchy. Please see the "must-read" at the top of the center column of RealityChex.com at http://www.realitychex.com to see how McCain comes by his fascinating "traditionalist" philosophy.
October 29th, 2008 at 8:27 amConstant Weader, nicely said, I am a union man and without my union I would be a lot less fortunate than I am now, I have a good decent wage and bene`s which guys like Mcwars and company don`t want us to have.He so out of touch with middle and low income Americans it`s disgusting.He doesn`t know anything about protecting democracy since he is a warmongering conservative who wants to limit our civil liberties to keep us safe.The Noble Lie will not work anymore on us "Joe six packs and Joe the plumbers.
October 29th, 2008 at 10:07 amMcCain has it all wrong. It's anti-democratic to deny workers the right to organize and to have the corporate bosses stand by the workers when they're voting on a union, trying to intimidate them. It's anti-democratic to deny workers a good days pay, pension, and health benefits. McCain is a serious disaster.
October 30th, 2008 at 8:44 pm