Houston partner Hurlie Collier, who concentrates his practice in the area of employment and litigation and is the coordinator of the Houston Labor and Employment practice, authored an article, "Ask the Experts: What Upcoming Legislation is Causing Employers Stress?" which appeared in the March 20, 2009, edition of the Houston Business Journal's "HR Strategies Focus Section."
According to Collier, the proposed Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA) "has been a priority of organized labor for nearly a decade. On March 10, the controversial EFCA was introduced in both the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives. EFCA would amend federal labor laws, significantly impacting how employers address union organizing activity." Collier goes on to explain the basics of EFCA and how, if put in place, it will "be much easier for unions to organize."
"EFCA will pose a significant threat to the rights of employers throughout the private sector," according to Collier. "Some of the specific targets which will be under seige if EFCA is signed into law include small businesses; 'hot industries' that are already targets of organized labor such as health care, communications, utilities and transportation; and employers with large concentrations of employees, such as those in manufacturing, retail and service industries."
Collier explains the claims made by those on both sides of the issue as to what will result if the legislation is enacted, and concludes: "Congress is split on EFCA, mainly along party lines—with Democrats for the most part favoring the legislation and Republicans generally opposing it."