Standard tightened for union recognition

WASHINGTON (PAI) - By a 4-0 vote, the National Labor Relations Board set a new and higher standard for when an employer can legally withdraw union recognition.

"An employer may unilaterally withdraw recognition from an incumbent union only where the union has actually lost the support of the majority of the bargaining unit employees," the NLRB said, rather than withdrawing union recognition based on "a good faith doubt" the union has a majority.

NLRB Chairman John Truesdale and the other board members overturned a 50-year-old ruling after the Supreme Court ordered NLRB to clarify its standards for withdrawal of recognition.

After President Bush gets around to stocking the NLRB with pro-business members, pro-worker rulings like this one are sure to become a thing of the past.

Bush gives PLAs a slight reprieve

President Bush loosened the noose around union-only project agreements, but only slightly.

On Feb. 17, Bush issued an Executive Order prohibiting union-only labor agreements on federally funded construction projects. Earlier this month, after lobbying from building trades unions, a "grandfather clause" was permitted that allow their use on future contracts in projects where PLAs were in effect prior to Bush's order.

"This is a step in the right direction, but it in no way reverses the unbelievable harm done to workers, contractors and taxpayers by the original order," said AFL-CIO Building Trades Department President Edward Sullivan.

Hunter safety program scheduled

Make plans to attend the fifth annual hunter safety program, hosted by state Sen. John Cherry and the Flint Area Building Trades.

The free Michigan Department of Natural Resources-certified program includes two classroom sessions and a shooting range lesson. The classroom sessions will place Tuesday, May 8 and Thursday, May 10 from 6-9:30 p.m. at Kearsley High School Auditorium. The shooting range lesson will take place from 8:30 a.m. to noon at the Grand Blanc Huntsman's Club. Refreshments follow the range lesson.

To register, call (800) 551-1636 or (810) 606-0737. All supplies and safety equipment will be provided. Gifts will be provided for all program graduates.