On a mostly party-line vote, the U.S. House today approved legislation aimed at upsetting an ongoing NLRB case about Boeing’s transfer of a production line from Washington to South Carolina as retaliation against union workers. For the Republicans it’s all about right to work (for less). It’s also about neutering labor law. Needless to say, U.S. Rep. Tim Griffin voted against workers and for legislation that critics say will ease the movement of U.S. jobs to foreign countries.

All other Arkies voted for this anti-worker bill, including Democratic Rep. Mike Ross, once considered somewhat friendly to labor, but now running hard for governor in 2014 and unlikely to do anything to tamper with the flow of money from corporate lobbies. He was one of only eight Democrats to vote for the bill.

Advertisement

Comment from Lafe Solomon, native Arkansan and acting general counsel for the NLRB:

“The decision had absolutely nothing to do with political considerations, and there were no consultations with the White House,” he said. “Regrettably, some have chosen to insert politics into what should be a straightforward legal procedure. These continuing political attacks are baseless and unprecedented and take the focus away from where it belongs — the ongoing trial in Seattle.”

Invest in the future of great journalism in Arkansas

Join the ranks of the 63,000 Facebook followers, 58,000 Twitter followers, 35,000 Arkansas blog followers, and 70,000 daily email blasts who know that the Arkansas Times is the go-to source for tough, determined, and feisty journalism that holds the powerful accountable. For 50 years, our progressive, alternative newspaper in Little Rock has been on the front lines of the fight for truth, and with your support, we can do even more. By subscribing or donating to the Arkansas Times, you'll not only have access to all of our articles, but you'll also be helping us hire more writers and expand our coverage. Don't miss out on the opportunity to make a difference with your subscription or donation to the Arkansas Times today.

Previous article More from the Echo: Patrick Dougherty Next article Low Key at the Mountainaire this weekend