Business groups contend that a resolution approved by the National Labor Relations Board on Nov. 30 would prove problematic for employers. Unions counter that the proposal, drafted by the labor panel's chairman, Mark Gaston Pearce, would streamline the election process and create a more level playing field for employees.
The NLRB voted 2-1 to move forward with a proposal to amend certain representation election procedures to reduce unnecessary litigation in disputed cases. The Democrats on the panel, Pearce and Craig Becker, voted in favor of the proposal, while Brian Hayes, the lone Republican, voted no. The panel will now draft a final rule that the board must vote on and approve before it can go into effect.