Heller seeks to discuss Employee Free Choice Act with Pelosi

Congressman Dean Heller, R-Nev., has written to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., requesting a meeting to discuss the potential effects of the Employee Free Choice Act.

Heller doesn't support the bill, which was introduced in the House and Senate Wednesday, and he said he wants to talk to Pelosi about how he thinks the law would restrict workers' rights.

Heller said in his letter that he was "very displeased" that Congress took action on the law. If it passes, he wrote, the bill could cost the country 600,000 jobs by the end of 2010, and that would devastate "Nevada workers who in some communities are facing unemployment rates as high as 15.1 percent."

"The Employee Free Choice Act is one of the worst power seizures by special interests and labor lobbyists that I have seen during my time in public service," Heller wrote.

The act would make union organizing easier by allowing labor groups to claim representation of workers if a majority of them sign a card seeking the union. Under current law, secret-ballot votes determine whether a workplace will be organized.

Pelosi hasn't yet responded to Heller's request.