The late Daniel Patrick Moynihan, Democrat Senator from New York, had a terrific line that has been often repeated in policy debates: “Everyone is entitled to his own opinion, but not his own facts.”

Such is the case with Al Franken and his characterization of EFCA.  In response to recent advertising by us and other groups here in Minnesota, Franken asserts that EFCA would, rather than let employers decide whether to use a private ballot or a signed card, “leave it up to workers to decide which is used.” 

That is false.  EFCA would leave it up to UNION ORGANIZERS to decide which is used.  Hint: They aren’t going to be picking a private ballot where workers get to vote their conscience; that’s what happens today.  No.  They will be choosing the opportunity to coerce and intimidate workers into signing a card.  If unions have the option to be recognized after 50% + 1 employees have signed a card, why in the world would they ever again use a secret ballot?

For decades, the right to a private ballot has been a staple of US Labor Law fitting with America’s democratic traditions.  Union-sponsored politicians like Al Franken, he of the 21 union endorsements, are entitled to their own opinions, but Minnesota workers are entitled to the privacy protections guaranteed by decades of legal precedent as well as basic Minnesota notions of fairness and democracy.