Several Wisconsin businesses are urging Congress to pass the Employee Free Choice Act.
The federal legislation would make it easier for workers to organize into unions. Larry Statz, owner of Dane-based Statz Painting, is one of several members of a nationwide coalition that says allowing employees to unionize helps them provide better benefits. Statz says he wouldn't be able to offer the quality health and pension benefits without the union's helps.
Opponents of the bill say adding more unions could cost jobs, due to arbitration requirements. Wisconsin Vision President Darren Horndasch says most unions understand that a bad economy means cuts need to be made. He says unions don't want to see an employer go out of business.
Members of Congress have also cited concerns that the bill could expose workers to intimidation, because it allows a union to be formed without a secret ballot. Sara Rogers with AFL-CIO says there are still protections in place, and workers still have the option of voting by secret ballot.
Members of the coalition say the Act would actually help the bottom line for many businesses.
