The Hill News

Several business associations are lobbying for a resolution that could lead to a new union organizing rule being overturned.

The Workforce Fairness Institute had its state affiliates in Colorado, Kentucky, Nevada and New Hampshire send out press releases Wednesday opposing the new rule by the National Mediation Board. Each release asked Democratic Senate candidates in those states â€" Sens. Michael Bennet (Colo.) and Harry Reid (Nev.) as well as Rep. Paul Hodes (D-N.H.) and Kentucky Attorney General Jack Conway â€" their position on the rule.

The resolution also has the support of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the National Association of Manufacturers. Both groups sent out letters this week, asking senators to oppose the board's new rule and vote for the resolution.

In a letter Wednesday to senators, Bruce Josten, the Chamber's chief lobbyist, said the regulatory process behind the new rule was "egregiously flawed" and that it overturns more th! an 70 years of precedent. In addition, Josten said the Chamber might consider the resolution vote as part of its annual legislative scorecard. 

The new rule by the board could lead to more unionization at airline and railway companies. 

Originally, workers who did not cast a vote in union elections at companies covered by the Railway Labor Act were counted as “no” votes against forming a union, making it difficult for those companies to be organized. Now under the new rule, a simple majority of workers who voted is all that is needed to form a union at companies covered by the Act.

The rule change was finalized in May and went into effect on July 1 after surviving a court challenge from business groups. The new rule was a big victory for labor and union organizers have said it should help organizing efforts at several major airlines.

Nevertheless, the resolution, expected to be voted on by the Senate Thursday, could eventually lead to the rule ! being overturned. 

Officially known as a resolution of ! disappro val, the measure under the little-used Congressional Review Act can reverse new rules and regulations issued by the executive branch. Both chambers of Congress and the president would have to sign off on the disapproval resolution though, which cannot be filibustered in the Senate. 

The resolution, sponsored by Sen. Johnny Isakson (R-Ga.), has the support of all 41 Republican senators.