House bill eases union sign-ups

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Labor groups are hoping that the new Democratic majority in Congress will push through a measure that would make it easier for workers to join unions.

The bill, scheduled to be introduced today by Rep. George Miller, California Democrat, is prompting labor activists and union foes to square off in an intense and high-profile lobbying campaign.

The Employee Free Choice Act would allow workers to unionize by simply signing a card or petition stating their interest in joining the union, as opposed to the decades-old practice of secret-ballot elections.

If a majority of employees sign, the employer would be required by law to recognize and bargain with the workers' union.

Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, Massachusetts Democrat, will introduce the Senate version of the act later this year, his office said yesterday.

Labor activists say the bill is crucial for helping defend them from anti-union companies and lawmakers, which they blame in part for decades of decline.

Overall union membership was 12 percent nationally last year -- down from 12.5 percent in 2005.

"America's middle class is shrinking fast, and unions are a key to bridging our nation's growing economic divide," AFL-CIO President John J. Sweeney said.

Labor analysts say unions will survive if the bill is defeated, because unions have strong support in the public sector -- about 40 percent in 2006.

Mr. Miller sponsored an almost-identical version of the free-choice act last year, which didn't come to a vote in the Republican-dominated House. Many labor analysts say the bill will pass the House, but have a difficult time in the Senate, where Democrats have only a slight numerical edge.