Business ramps up recess efforts against 'card-check' bill

Lawmakers will encounter increased pressure against "card-check" legislation after a business group ramped up its August efforts against the labor organizing bill.

The Workforce Fairness Institute (WFI) unveiled a new online tool kit on Monday aimed at pressuring members of Congress against the Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA, or "card-check") during the summer recess.

WFI launched a portal to help visitors organize against the legislation, as conservatives in Congress have openly worried that Democrats might look to revive the bill at the end of the year during a lame-duck session.

"The Workforce Fairness Institute’s new website serves as a one-stop shop for those interested in learning more about and combating the [EFCA]," said WFI Executive Director Katie Packer. "The platform allows workers and small businesses to make their voices heard against efforts taking place in government to advance policies that will force unionization on Americans and result in job loss.”

WFI is hoping to leverage the August recess, during which lawmakers will make their way back to their home states and districts, to get opponents to pressure their representatives in person against the union organizing bill. Its news site gives visitors resources to contact lawmakers and receive alerts on when to do so; social media sharing capabilities; and other features.

Sen. Tom Harkin (D-Iowa) has suggested that Democrats might attempt to move EFCA during the lame-duck, when retiring and defeated lawmakers might feel liberated to support the legislation. The bill has otherwise floundered in the past year and a half, despite labor's hopes that it would be able to easily win passage for the measure, with Democrats in control of the House and Senate and President Obama in the White House.

Packer promised her group would "invest significant resources" in the next month.

"We intend to invest significant resources over the course of the congressional recess to drive citizens to our site so they can contact their representatives directly and communicate opposition to EFCA in any form and at any time," she said. "The small-business community will not take its eye off the ball or rest on its laurels, as we understand that Big Labor is working overtime to secure another bailout at the expense of America’s employees and employers.”