Labor Bill Faces Threat in Senate

Since last year I have been doing posts opposing the "Employee Free Choice Act" that will make it easier for unions to sign up new members. Business and industry groups say the legislation will lead to massive job losses and hobble the economy, while labor groups argue that it will give a historic boost to the middle class.

Today The Wall Street Journal reports that:

Key Senate Democrats are wavering in their support of legislation that would give more power to labor unions, dealing a setback to labor's top priority as businesses warn of the damage the bill would cause.

The battle over the "Employee Free Choice Act" -- expected to be introduced Tuesday -- is seen as a power struggle among labor unions and businesses, as well as a test of whether moderate Democrats and Republicans will push back on Democratic congressional leaders and the Obama administration.

At least six Senators who have voted to move forward with the so-called card-check proposal, including one Republican, now say they are opposed or not sure -- an indication that Senate Democratic leaders are short of the 60 votes they need for approval.

The legislation is expected to sail through the House. But the new uncertainly over Democratic support makes it more likely the bill, in its current form, will be stalled without the 60 votes needed to approve contentious measures in the Senate.