Catherwood LibraryILR School

Senate Republicans yesterday blocked the labor movement?s top legislative priority, a bill that would have made it easier for unions to organize workers. In a largely party-line vote, supporters of the bill failed to get the 60 votes needed to cut off debate and allow a vote on the bill. The vote was 51 to cut off debate and 48 against. The bill would have given workers the right to insist on a procedure known as majority sign-up, in which employees could form a union as soon as a majority signed cards saying they wanted one. Under current law, an employer facing a unionization drive can insist on a secret-ballot election. The bill had fueled a feverish lobbying battle between business and labor.