Specifically, it would give union organizers free rein to pressure workers into signing authorization cards. Once enough workers are persuaded to sign, the union would automatically be certified, and it would be illegal for workers to have a secret ballot election. Then the bill would implement a compressed schedule for employers to bargain with their new union.

If an agreement isn't reached within 120 days, a government-mandated arbitrator would dictate the terms and conditions of employment (ultimately deciding a business’s profit margin) and hand the employer a contract.  This contract would remain in place for two years.

Unions have spent over $300 million in lobbying and campaign contributions in this year’s election to congressional supporters this year; partly to support members of Congress that favor EFCA.

AFS opposes the EFCA and has joined forces with an alliance of pro-business groups - the Coalition for a Democratic Workplace (CDW). The CDW is spending millions of dollars to build grassroots opposition to labor’s advocacy efforts, and is targeting donations in a few key Senate races. The CDW has also released numerous television ads in battleground states like Colorado, Minnesota, and Maine stressing the importance of the election and how its outcome will dramatically affect the formation of unions. 

To help stop the agenda, visit CDW website and sign the petition against card check at www.myprivateballot.com. The CDW website also contains background materials on the EFCA and its implications for the business community. For more information, contact Alicia Oman, AFS Washington Office at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or 202/842-4864.