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Governor Scott Walker Proposes Sweeping Changes to the Union Landscape


Recently, Republican Governor Scott Walker of Wisconsin proposed several changes to curb the power of unions in a proposed policy change that would be implemented if he were elected President.  For those who do not know, Governor Walker has battled unions in Wisconsin since becoming Governor a few years ago.  With his poll numbers sliding in his campaign for President, he has gone back to the well and focused on one of the topics he is more comfortable addressing (and has had a record of success).

Perhaps the most important changes in Walker's proposal include:  Making it illegal for federal employees to join a union; extending right to work laws across the country; and eliminating the National Labor Relations Board.


Eliminate Unions for Federal Employees

As for his proposal to eliminate unions for federal employees, Walker noted that in 2012, taxpayers apparently subsidized 3,395,187 hours of "official time" government union lobbying, including time spent negotiating collective bargaining agreements.  Walker stated that as Governor, he had seen the (negative) impact that big government unions have had on the government's ability to work on behalf of taxpayers.  Consequently, Walker's proposal to eliminate unions for federal employees is based upon the ideal that it would bring power back to the individual workers, rather than placing it in the hands of big unions.  

Extend Right to Work Laws Across the Country

Under Walker's proposal, he would change the default position in federal law to be Right to Work for all private, state, and local public sector workers.  In a concession of sorts, however, Walker indicated that states could affirmatively vote to opt out of Right to Work status.    

Eliminate the National Labor Relations Board

This is one of the parts of the proposal that caught me somewhat by surprise.  Walker pointed out that that Board has become a one sided advocate for "big-labor special interests."  To those who follow the NLRB, it is no surprise that is has become politicized over the years, depending upon the makeup of the Board & who appointed the Board members.  As Walker pointed out, in his opinion, the Board is beyond repair and should be eliminated. In its place, Walker would transfer the NLRB's oversight and administration of union elections, as well as the Board's role in addressing unfair labor practices, to the National Mediation Board.  (Not familiar with the National Mediation Board?  Check it out here:  http://www.nmb.gov/). 


Time will tell whether these proposals give Walker any traction on the national level.  For the time being, however, it is likely to energize his core supporters (as Walker is the toughest anti-union candidate running for President) yet also antagonize his opposition. 


 

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