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Key Senator to Oppose Employee Free Choice Act

Sen. Arlen Specter, R-Pa., will oppose the controversial labor bill known as the Employee Free Choice Act, according to reports yesterday, diminishing chances for the bill in the Senate.

WASHINGTON — Sen. Arlen Specter, R-Pa., will oppose the controversial labor bill known as the Employee Free Choice Act, according to reports yesterday, diminishing chances for the bill in the Senate.

Specter was one of the few Republicans to support the bill last year, and was considered a key potential vote to help Democrats get the 60 votes they would need to prevent a filibuster on the legislation. Some Democrats also have reportedly wavered in their support of the bill, which would make it easier for unions to organize.

Also, reports said this week that a compromise to EFCA, which was proposed this week by Whole Foods Market, Starbucks and Costco Wholesale, is not receiving a warm reception. The companies — calling themselves the Committee for a Level Playing Field for Union Elections, suggested eliminating the “card check” aspect of the bill that could establish a union without a secret ballot, among other changes.

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