Isakson Bill Seeks to Overturn ‘Mini-Unions'

Atlanta partner James Walters was quoted in the November 18 Atlanta Business Chronicle article "Isakson Bill Seeks to Overturn Mini-Unions.'" The publication reported that U.S. Sen. Johnny Isakson is leading a bid to overturn a controversial Obama administration decision making it easier for multiple unions to organize within a single workplace. A recent National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) ruling allows as few as a handful of employees to form "mini-unions" if their jobs are considered distinct from those of their co-workers. This could significantly increase the cost of doing business for employers. Jim said the NLRB essentially overturned a decades-old standard for determining the size of collective bargaining units in a workplace. The new standard set by the NLRB makes it harder for employers to limit the number of unions in their workplace. Supporters of Isakson's bill aren't holding out much hope for congressional passage. Jim said, "As long as Democrats have a majority in the Senate, it's not going to happen."