A new survey of nine hundred and twenty-five (925) labor economists conducted by the University of New Hampshire Survey Center for the Center for Union Facts illustrates a growing consensus among experts that increased unionization will have a negative effect on the economy. The survey further indicates that labor economists are overwhelmingly opposed to a bill currently before Congress that would radically overhaul existing labor law at the expense of American businesses. Their opposition grew even more fervent when they learned about EFCA’s binding arbitration clause, which would impose outside government arbitrators in the event of a contract dispute. The main findings of the survey are as follows:
- Nearly two-thirds of economists surveyed believe Congress should not pass the Employee Free Choice Act.
- When informed about EFCA’s binding arbitration clause, the percentage of economists in favor of the bill declined from 36% to just 27%.
- 58% percent of economists believe that increased unionization would have a negative effect on President Obama’s job creation program, while only 22% believe it would have a positive effect.
- By a ratio of more than 3 to 1, economists surveyed believe that changes to the economy and business climate — rather than employer resistance — are likely to blame for the recent decline in union membership.
“As President Obama looks for ways to pull the country out of its economic downturn, he should heed the opinions of economic experts who overwhelmingly believe that increased unionization will only further hinder our economic condition,” said Richard Berman, Executive Director of the Center for Union Facts. “Legislation like the curiously named Employee Free Choice Act, with its illogical binding arbitration clause, will only make things worse for American businesses and their employees.”
