Labor-funded study: No abuses in Illinois EFCA model

A study funded by organized labor released Monday argued that an Illinois labor law similar to the Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA) resulted in none of the drawbacks the law’s opponents fear.

University of Illinois Professor Robert Bruno asserted in a report that the Illinois program “has worked without systematic or episodic employer or union abuse,” particularly in regards to the “card check” provision in the legislation.

Conservative and business groups have alleged that that provision would strip union members of a private vote in union elections, and open the door to voter intimidation.

“Today’s report shows that corporations are throwing more lies to keep workers from forming unions,” said AFL-CIO President John Sweeney in a statement accompanying the report. “Workers form unions to bargain for a better life, not because of outside intimidation. Workers need the majority sign up provision because it gives workers the choice of how to form a union, not corporations.”

A spokeswoman for the AFL-CIO acknowledged Monday that the study was commissioned by organized labor groups, and partly funded by one of the AFL-CIO’s arms. Bruno has also previously spoken out in favor of EFCA.