http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/17/business/17union.html
Democrats Drop Key Part of Bill to Assist Unions
The so-called card-check provision — which senators decided to scrap to help secure a filibuster-proof 60 votes —
would have required employers to recognize a union as soon as a majority of workers signed cards saying they
wanted a union. Currently, employers can insist on a secret-ballot election, a higher hurdle for unions.
The abandonment of card check was another example of the power of moderate Democrats to constrain their
party’s more liberal legislative efforts. Though the Democrats have a 60-40 vote advantage in the Senate, and
President Obama supports the measure, several moderate Democrats opposed the card-check provision as undemocratic.
In its place, several Senate and labor officials said, the revised bill would require shorter unionization campaigns
and faster elections.
While disappointed with the failure of card check, union leaders argued this would still be an important victory
because it would give companies less time to press workers to vote against unionizing.
Some business leaders hailed the dropping of card check, while others called the move a partial triumph because
the bill still contained provisions they oppose.
...
Thank you Blue Dog Coalition for hanging in until a reasonable compromise was worked out.