If You're Not a Union Facility Now, You May Be Soon

How will the National Fair Choice Act (NFCA) also known as the H.R. 800 affect your organization? The National Fair Choice Act could potentially amend the current Labor Relations Act to make it easier for employees to unionize. That is right folks. Currently, in order for employees working for an organization that would like the opportunity to unionize can request blank cards from an existing bargaining unit. Once the employees have a minimum of a 30% consensus, it would then be presented to the employer, and the employer can opt for secret ballot. If passed, the employees then become part of the collective bargaining unit. The collective bargaining unit can now negotiate wages, working conditions, and benefits on behalf of the employees.

If the H.R. 800 passes, it will make it easier for the employee to unionize by removing the option of secret ballot election from the employer and instead gives it to the employee. Unless the employee is thoroughly informed, the H.R. 800 makes it much easier for unscrupulous practices, because employees could be signing a document that does not fully disclose their role or effects of the decision in signing a collective bargaining card.

The end result could mean a higher population of unionized workers. Organizations could lose bargaining power over wages and benefits, which could increase overall labor costs. They will also face stricter penalties for perceived violations of union agreements.

Just because your organization is not unionized now, do not be so confident that the NFCA will not affect you soon. Research how this amendment could affect your organization and consider developing two sets of business plans to address potential outcomes if your company unionizes.