For Immediate Release

ALEXANDRIA, Va.  – October 12, 2011- The Assisted Living Federation of America (ALFA) expressed its deep appreciation to the U.S. House of Representatives Education and Workforce Committee Chairman John Kline (R-MN) for holding a hearing today on the Workforce Democracy and Fairness Act (H.R. 3094).  This legislation directly addresses the National Labor Relations Board’s (NLRB) rulemaking that continues to significantly alter union election rules to favor unions at the expense of employee and employer rights.

“Recent decisions by the NLRB clearly indicate its lack of concern for holding fair union elections respecting the rights of employees and employers,” said Richard P. Grimes, president and CEO of ALFA.  “Chairman Kline’s bill will restore much needed balance between employers and unions.”

H.R. 3094 will ensure employers have at least 14 days to prepare for pre-election cases before an NLRB election officer, ensure union elections will not be held in less than 35 days, and protect workers’ privacy by allowing them to choose the type of personal contact information provided to unions.

H.R. 3094 will also restore the traditional standard for determining which employees will vote in a union election.  The NLRB’s recent Specialty Healthcare decision now allows unions the ability to determine bargaining units within a workplace.  As a result, each bargaining unit may be represented by a different union.  
 
“It is critical that Congress acts quickly and decisively to counter administrative rules being promulgated by the NLRB and the Department of Labor that do great harm to the rights of our employees and employers,” said Grimes. “Passage of the Workforce Democracy and Fairness Act will demonstrate Congress’ commitment to fair union elections protecting the rights of individual employees to vote against or for union representation.”

About The Assisted Living Federation of America

ALFA is the largest national association exclusively dedicated to professionally-managed, consumer driven senior living communities and the seniors and families they serve.  ALFA creates the future of senior living inclusive of independent living, assisted living and Alzheimer’s care services by advocating for choice, accessibility, independence, dignity, and quality of life for all seniors, facilitating business excellence and ensuring an informed public.  Visit ALFA’s Web site at www.alfa.org.

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Media Contact:

Paul Williams 
Senior Director of Government Relations
703-562-1183
pwilliams@alfa.org

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