The United States National Mediation Board (NMB) proposed Monday that procedures for elections at US airlines be revised, making it easier for employees to organize and harder for employees to intimidate them. The proposal suggests that union organization be authorized if a majority of those who vote are in favor, instead of a majority of the entire payroll. It means that company strategies for keeping people from voting would have less of an effect, and that employees opposed to unionization would actually have to vote for their opinion. One of the three NMB members remains opposed to the change, saying it would be unprecedented and perhaps even outside of their authority. The proposal now faces a 60-day comment period before it begins ratification procedures.
See "US agency proposes change for airline union votes", Karen Jacobs, Reuters, November 1, 2009