Senator Tim Scott Statement on NLRB Ambush Elections Rule

Washington – U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-SC) issued the following statement in response to the National Labor Relations Board’s (NLRB) ambush elections rule, which the board finalized today. The newly finalized rule will allow as few as 10 days to pass between employees filing a petition to unionize and a vote occurring; currently the median time passed is 38 days. “Today’s rule issued by the NLRB is perhaps the most pro-union action taken by the current administration, which is quite a feat in itself,” Senator Scott said. “Ambush elections hurt the ability of employees to make a well-informed choice on joining a union, as it gives limited time to hear both sides of the debate. The rule also requires an unprecedented amount of an employee’s personal information to be given to union representatives, such as personal cell phones and email addresses.” Senator Scott continued, “The NLRB is also now placing burdensome requirements on employers that unions do not themselves have to comply with, providing an unfair advantage to union organizers. In South Carolina we have seen the potential ramifications that come as the result of a wildly partisan NLRB, and today’s rule simply reinforces the fact that the board must return to acting as the neutral arbiter it was intended to be.” Earlier this year, Senator Scott joined Senator Lamar Alexander (R-TN) to introduce the Workforce Democracy and Fairness Act, which would require 35 days to pass between the time employees file a petition to unionize and a vote is held. As a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, Scott introduced legislation, the Employee Rights Act, which would require 40 days to pass. He is also a cosponsor of the National Labor Relations Board Reform Act, introduced earlier this year, which would reform the structure of the board. Senator Scott is a member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee. ###