Changes Ahead for Rails and Air

Changes to a 75-year old rule, which says nonvotes must count as 'no' votes in labor elections, could make it easier for workers to organize in the railroad and airline industries.

1 minute read

November 5, 2009, 5:00 AM PST

By Alek Miller


"Under an interpretation of the Railway Labor Act dating to 1934, aviation and rail workers who don't vote on whether to create a union are counted as 'no' votes. That means a union cannot be approved without a full majority of all employees voting yes.

Under the National Labor Relations Act governing other industries, a union can be created as long as a majority of all votes cast are in favor of collective bargaining. In such elections, nonvotes don't count."

Tuesday, November 3, 2009 in The Wall Street Journal

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