Conflicting messages are emerging from Capitol Hill and across the country from labor unions and pro-business groups on when the Employee Free Choice Act might be introduced before the House and Senate. 

The economy is clearly the first order of business on the administration’s agenda.  With the American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan having passed, the time might be here for congressional Democrats to turn to EFCA.  There are, however, extenuating circumstances that impact introduction.  One is the health of Senator Ted Kennedy, another is the outcome of the Senate race in Minnesota, and another is the continuing economic crisis.  All of these provide ample reasons to argue that introduction may be delayed.  Democrats will need all the votes they can muster, especially from moderates in the party, and so Democratic leadership may need time for these things to sort themselves out.

The President’s resolve on EFCA has not wavered since his campaign.  In a video statement before the AFL-CIO’s Executive Council meeting in Miami this week, President Obama told council members:

I do not view the labor movement as part of the problem.  To me, and to my administration, labor unions are a big part of the solution.  We need to level the playing field for workers and the unions that represent their interests – because we cannot have a strong middle class without a strong labor movement.

The President addressed EFCA specifically:

And as we confront this crisis and work to provide health care to every American, rebuild our nation’s infrastructure, move toward a clean energy economy, and pass the Employee Free Choice Act, I want you to know that you will always have a seat at the table.

Some rumors have EFCA being introduced as early as next week while other rumors peg early April for its introduction.  AFL-CIO Executive Council member James Williams thinks that EFCA could pass in the next four or five months which lends credence to a sooner-rather-than-later approach.  Also, the Service Employees International Union has stepped up efforts recently in its “Enemies of Change” campaign targeting major corporations lobbying against EFCA.

Either way, there is time before the vote … time for labor unions and pro-business groups to gather their forces for a fight over this major piece of legislation.