Fresno Chamber lobbies Washington on card check

Written by Business Journal Staff

Thursday, 28 May 2009 15:24

The Greater Fresno Area Chamber of Commerce will send a 10-person delegation to Washington D.C. from June 2-4 to lobby federal elected officials against proposed card check union organizing legislation. The Fresno Chamber has lobbied against the Employee Free Choice Act since it was introduced in March, contending that it would strip employees of a private ballot in union-organizing drives, hand the federal government power to dictate workplace pay and benefits and force unfair mandates on small business. The legislation fell just nine votes shy of moving forward in the Senate in 2007. “We hope that our elected officials agree with us that the card check bill is bad for Fresno workers and businesses and would cripple the local economy,” said Debbie Hunsaker, a Fresno business owner and chair of the Chamber’s Board of Directors, in a press release. “Our message is clear: oppose any advancement of this bill, there is no compromise.” Chamber members will be visiting with Fresno’s Congressional representatives: Rep. Devin Nunes, R-Visalia, Rep. George Radanovich, R-Mariposa and Rep. Jim Costa, R-Fresno. In addition, a meeting is planned with Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-California, whose vote the Chamber believes is critical in building upon bipartisan opposition to advancing the bill in the Senate. Next week, state and local chambers of commerce from 12 states will join the Fresno Chamber’s delegation in voicing opposition to card check legislation. About 150 business owners are coming from throughout California. The Fresno Chamber has encouraged opponents of the legislation to sign opposition cards while informing Congressional representatives about the harm to local businesses. Those who wish to support their effort can go to www.fresnochamberadvocacy.com.

Last Updated on Monday, 01 June 2009 16:11