Douglas Darch Quoted in The Inlander
“Law May Bring More Unions to Newspapers”

Douglas Darch was quoted in the November 2008 issue of The Inlander in the article, “Law May Bring More Unions to Newspapers.” The article reported on the possible passage of the Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA) and its role on the newspaper workforce. As Doug noted in the article, unions make up around seven percent of the private sector workforce and they have made the passage of EFCA a top priority. Prior to the election, he noted that, “Unions will spend $300 million to get Democrats elected in this election.” He added, “The union’s message is clear: If you want our money, you’ll vote for the Employee Free Choice Act.”

Doug explained that “Since 1947 secret ballot elections have been the ‘gold standard’ for determining union recognition.” The secret ballots permit employees to vote without fear of retaliation. The passing of the EFCA would instead require a card-check system where employees would sign a union authorization card. He pointed out that once organizing begins, employees who may have been “on the last stretch of termination” for poor performance could have their names put on a pro-union list which could become a tool against management to keep them from being fired. Under the EFCA, businesses would face stiffer penalties for unfair labor practices. Doug noted that "If an employee is discharged for union activity, he or she can get three times back pay. And employers could face up to a $20,000 fine per violation."

According to Doug, union membership has declined over the years, in part because many companies are better managed. He noted, "The things that unions have come to demand, companies are already giving—and for free—because of enhanced HR departments." He further noted that “Employees are becoming more informed about what's going on —just look at the automobile industry, the airline industry, the tire manufacturing industry. They see where businesses have been very effective—such as in outsourcing to China," he concluded.