‘Coalition for Arkansas Jobs’ organizes to oppose Card Check

The Coalition for Arkansas Jobs, reported to be supported by small businesses in Arkansas, launched Thursday (April 1) for the sole purpose of gathering election-year opposition to the Employee Free Choice Act — aka, Card Check.

The EFCA was filed Mar. 10, 2009, by U.S. Sen. Tom Harkin, D-Iowa. The “Card Check” act seeks to make it easier for unions to organize. The most controversial part of the Act would allow the designation of a union if a majority of employees sign pro-union authorization cards. Once the National Labor Relations Board validates the signatures, a union is created and collective bargaining with the employer begins.

National business groups have opposed the act, and the Arkansas State Chamber and the Arkansas chamber of the National Federation of Independent Business are also against the federal legislation.

After several weeks of wavering, U.S. Sen. Blanche Lincoln, D-Ark., said in April 2009 she would oppose the legislation. Lincoln, who faces a tough re-election bid, has been hit on both sides of the issue. She faced pressure from the state’s conservative Democrats and business groups to oppose it. Her opposition is now being used by Lt. Gov. Bill Halter to label Lincoln and tool of big business. Halter is seeking to unseat Lincoln in the May 18 Democratic primary.

U.S. Sen. Mark Pryor, D-Ark., has not taken a firm position, saying only that the legislation is not perfect and that business and labor groups should seek compromise on the issue. Pryor is not up for re-election until 2012.

“The Coalition for Arkansas Jobs is an organization that will stand up for the rights of small business owners and workers in the state and ensure the public understands how damaging the Employee ‘Forced’ Choice Act would be to our freedoms and economy,” Robert Coon, state director for the Coalition for Arkansas Jobs, said in a statement. “In the weeks and months ahead, we will be working to obtain the positions of all candidates seeking federal office in Arkansas with regard to the job-killing Employee ‘Forced’ Choice Act and engaging in a dialogue with Arkansas voters on this important issue.”

Coon refused to disclose to The City Wire who is funding the effort. When asked who is paying the CAJ bills, Coon responded: “CAJ is funded by, and advocates on behalf of, businesses that preserve good working relationships with their employees and strive each day to compete successfully in a 21st Century economy.”

He also pointed out that “Big Labor has made no secret of their plans to spend $4 million dollars pushing their agenda in Arkansas in this election cycle.” Coon also would not disclose how much CAJ planned to spend in Arkansas.