IFA supports secret ballots for unions

Posted on November 08, 2010 by Stacey Fousse

One of the leading franchising associations recently made headlines after joining several other business groups in support of a workers' rights initiative.

The International Franchise Association announced that it would be joining 225 U.S. business groups by signing onto an amicus brief, which calls on the National Labor Relations Board to allow secret ballots when electing union leaders. The group that authored the brief, the Coalition for a Democratic Workplace, said that ensuring secret ballots was essential. The group also added that workers must be given proper time for the election process.

"Any effort by the Board to eliminate the 45-day election period is simply an attack on secret ballot elections and true employee free choice," said Brian Worth, chairman of CDW. "Polling has repeatedly shown that American voters - including union households - strongly oppose card check, EFCA and attempts to circumvent the secret ballot."

Employees of franchises throughout the country rely on union leadership to advocate for them. By creating a cohesive group, employees feel better protected against the possibility of being exploited.