Although businesses cut lobbying spending by about 31% in 2009, labor unions have spent even more this year. Industry groups and business associations spent about $30 million less than they spent at the end of 2008. Unions on the other hand, increased lobbying funding by 15%. The president of the Public Affairs Council, Douglas Pinkham, noted that business lobbying is tied to revenues, meaning the numbers could jump back up as the year continues. Meanwhile, labor unions are actively lobbing, mostly in favor of the Employee Free Choice Act ? a bill that would make it easier for workers to organize.
See "Business Spends Less, Unions More on Lobbying", Brody Mullins and T.W. Farnam, The Wall Street Journal, April 22, 2009