Employee Free Choice Act Unlikely to Become Law for Now

Likely To Be Part of Presidential Politics in '08

The Employee Free Choice Act looks unlikely to pass into federal law. Although it is extremely rare for a franchise to unionize, the bill, which was passed by the House in March, would make it considerably easier to organize unions through workers simply checking off a card. But it still has to clear the Senate, which could debate the issue as early as next week. Even then, the president is almost certain to veto the bill. It is poised to become a presidential election issue for 2008.

The bill has some powerful opponents. In franchising, the International Franchise Association has asked its membership to help stop the act.

Janet Babin of Marketplace talks with Madeleine Brand about the proposed legislation and the implications of the bill. (NPR, audio 3:09)