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The Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry applauded the Pennsylvania Republican State Committee for taking a strong stance against the anti-worker, anti-jobs Employee Free Choice Act, or "union card check."

At its recent winter meeting the weekend of Feb. 6-8, the committee adopted a resolution calling for Pennsylvania's U.S. House and Senate delegation to show their support for workers by opposing EFCA.

"Republican State Committee members are to be commended for standing up for American workers' rights to a private ballot process for union organizing," said Gene Barr, PA Chamber vice president of government and public affairs. "The only free choice is through a private ballot."

EFCA's main provisions would all but eliminate the private ballot for union organizing and replace the current system of good faith collective bargaining with government binding arbitration. Additionally, under EFCA, workers in some instances would no longer have the right they now enjoy to vote on the final contract.

In its resolution, the committee expressed grave concerns about the proposed legislation, which it says undermines democratic traditions and diminishes take home pay and growth opportunity.

"The committee's action sends a clear message to Pennsylvania's elected officials in Washington D.C. that support for the Employee Free Choice Act is a vote against worker freedoms, economic growth and the nation's overall economic well-being," Barr said.

Reiterating points made in a letter sent recently to Pennsylvania's Congressional Delegation by the PA Chamber and 12 other Pennsylvania business associations, Barr stressed, "In today's economic climate, government should seek ways to bring employers and employees together. We all contribute to the economic health and social fabric of our communities and our nation. Public policy needs to support our positive bonds, not drive new divisions between workers, unions and employers."

Click here to read more about EFCA's negative implications for employers and employees.