Las Vegas NowNV Initiative Would Require Secret Union Ballots

NV Initiative Would Require Secret Union Ballots

An initiative that would require secret ballot voting in union membership is being criticized by labor activists as "anti-worker."

The "Save Our Secret Ballot" initiative was filed late Tuesday with the secretary of state's office. It seeks to protect the right to vote by secret ballot for elections for public office, for decisions on ballot measures, and for designations of employee representation.

The movement is supported by business groups in at least 13 states as a response to a bill pending in Congress. The Employee Free Choice Act would make it easier for workers to form unions by allowing them to sign authorization cards rather than the current practice, which allows employers to mandate secret ballot elections.

Tibi Ellis is a Las Vegas businesswoman and Republican state Assembly candidate who is leading the initiative effort in Nevada. She said the petition goes beyond labor groups.

Bob Fulkerson of the Progressive Leadership Alliance of Nevada said backers of the measure are "anti-worker" and "anti-constitution."

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)