Representative Scott DesJarlais (TN-04) has introduced H.R.2854, the Employer Free Choice Act. This legislation will repeal a rule promulgated by the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) forcing employers to prominently display posters containing information on workers’ rights to unionize and bargain collectively. If not repealed, businesses will be required to have the postings completed by November 14, 2011.

“It is unacceptable for the NLRB to force businesses to display posters that serve as nothing more than a de facto endorsement of unionization by the federal government,” said Representative DesJarlais. “If employers want to distribute information on the ways employees can unionize then that should be their choice – not Washington bureaucrats. Clearly, this arbitrary mandate is simply another favor for big labor made possible by their friends in the Obama administration.”

This legislation came, in part, from input that Representative DesJarlais received during a Tennessee Job Creators Tour stop in Manchester, Tennessee. Rep. DesJarlais visited VIAM Manufacturing, INC., to meet with their executives to discuss ways that Washington is holding back their ability to create jobs. During a roundtable discussion, Keith Hayes, Executive Vice-President of VIAM Manufacturing, voiced concerns over the recent announcement by the NLRB.

“We take great pride in making sure that our employees fully understand their rights, which includes the right to union representation and the right to choose that representation. We do not need, nor is there a reason for the federal government to force us to advertise on behalf of unions in our facility,” said Keith Hayes.

To deliver the regulatory relief job creators in Tennessee deserve, Representative DesJarlais launched his Tennessee Job Creators tour as part of AmericanJobCreators.com. AmericanJobCreators.com allows businesses to play a direct role in ensuring that Washington delivers more efficient, effective regulations that will help them thrive and create jobs. By visiting AmericanJobCreators.com, taxpayers can identify federal government regulations they’ve encountered– either as a business owner or an employee – that impede the growth and success of their business.

Accompanying Representative DesJarlais on his visit to VIAM Manufacturing, INC. and helping to lead the conversation on this ruling was Judd Matheny (R-Tullahoma), Speaker Pro Tempore of the Tennessee House of Representatives.

"The issue of organizing is one best left to employees and the businesses concerned.  A Federal mandate to guarantee one person or group's rights over another’s is un-American and another example of an intrusion into the rights of the individual states," said Rep. Judd Matheny.

“Both Judd and I agree that Washington should not capriciously dictate how local businesses choose to communicate with their employees regarding unionization issues,” said Rep. DesJarlais. “I thank Judd for his leadership on this issue and I look forward to continuing to work with him and the job creators in my district to foster an environment where businesses can grow and create jobs for Tennesseans.”  

This legislation has been referred to the Committee on Education and the Workforce, of which Representative DesJarlais is a member.

“Millions of American workers are unemployed, yet the Obama labor board continues to pursue an activist agenda that is killing jobs and harming the competitiveness of our workforce. If President Obama won't hold them accountable, Congress will. I want to thank Dr. DesJarlais for bringing this proposal forward and for his commitment to reversing the job-destroying agenda of the Obama NLRB,” said Representative John Kline, Chairman of the Education and the Workforce Committee.