September 27, 2011

Posted by Ann McCulloch

Recently, the U.S. House of Representatives took an important step to protect U.S. employers from egregious government intervention by passing H.R. 2587, the Protecting Jobs from Government Interference Act.  In response to the House vote, MEMA president Bob McKenna issued a statement praising the House for passing this legislation, stating “this bill reigns in the National Labor Relations Board and prevents a government agency from dictating where a business may locate a facility or invest in a community.” The bill passed by a vote of 238 to 186. 

McKenna also urged the Senate to quickly take up and pass similar legislation “so that businesses can focus on making critical decisions free from government intervention.”  Without Senate consideration and passage of this bill, it cannot become law. 

On the regulatory front, MEMA also last week filed comments with the Department of Labor responding to a proposed rule that would change the definition of persuader activity.  MEMA opposed the proposed rule as it would effectively limit an employer’s right to consult an attorney in matters related to union elections.  MEMA has also responded with comments to an NLRB proposed rulemaking that would shorten the time frame in which union elections are held.

Labor issues remain a top priority for the supplier industry and MEMA’s Washington office will continue to actively voice the views of AASA, HMDA, MERA and OESA members through the appropriate legislative and regulatory channels.  For more information on these issues, or what your company can do to become more involved, please contact Ann McCulloch, 202-312-9242, amcculloch@mema.org.