Graves Examines Onerous NLRB & DOL Regulations on Small Businesses

Statement

House Small Business Committee Chairman Sam Graves (R-MO) today held a full committee hearing to examine decisions and proposed rules by the Department of Labor (DOL) and the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) that some fear disadvantage small businesses in union organizing drives.

Specifically, the Committee examined four examples of the administration's union favoritism: the NLRB's decisions in Lamons Gasket Company and Specialty Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center of Mobile, changes to the union election process, a proposed rule from the DOL regarding the advice exemption, and the NLRB rule requiring employers to post notices in their businesses informing employees of their right to unionize.

"On one hand, you have President Obama touting his Executive Order directing government to cut red tape, while on the other, the NLRB and DOL are doing just the opposite in implementing new burdensome regulations on businesses. It appears that the Executive Order is adding up to nothing more than lip service.

"As our witnesses pointed out today, it is clear from recent cases the NLRB has an activist agenda that favors unions, waters down competition and subjects small businesses to unwarranted federal intrusion. This must be curtailed. Small businesses are our nation's best job creators and our hope of economic recovery will be found in thriving small businesses.

"The NLRB does serve a purpose; however, business owners and employees want the freedom to decide what is best for their business, not bullied into union politics that may harm job creation and business growth in an already harsh economic environment."

Source