ABC Praises Bill to Protect Workers and Employers from Union Abuse

Last week, the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) praised the introduction of the Truth in Employment Act of 2011 (H.R. 2153) by Rep. Steve King (R — Iowa). The measure would amend the National Labor Relations Act to make clear that an employer is not required to hire any person who is not a “bona fide applicant” because the applicant is simply seeking a job to promote interests unrelated to those of the employer.

“Enactment of this bill will ensure that no company — including construction contractors — can be forced to hire an individual whose goal is to harass workers and pressure them to join a union,” said 2011 ABC national chairman Michael J. Uremovich, president of Great Lakes Energy Consultants, LLC, Manhattan, Ill. “We call on Congress to pass this important legislation and put an end to this indefensible union tactic that serves only to wreak economic hardship on hardworking business owners and their employees.”

The tactic of using professional union organizers and agents to infiltrate a targeted employer’s workplace, otherwise known as “salting,” is designed to harass or disrupt company operations, apply economic pressure to business owners, increase operating and legal costs, and ultimately put the company out of business.

The Truth in Employment Act will serve to protect employers and their legitimate employees from this deceptive practice.