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A bill that would make it easier for workers to unionize passed the U.S. House Thursday, but providers don’t have much to worry about just yet. The measure is expected to face stronger resistance in the Senate, where it might be filibustered, and President Bush has vowed to veto it, should the two chambers agree on legislation.

Nonetheless, the 241-185 passage of the Employee Free Choice Act was noteworthy and sent a ripple through provider ranks on Thursday.

Nationally known labor attorney Stephen Cabot will address this issue, and other hot labor topics, at the McKnight’s Online Expo March 14. Registration for the free event is ongoing and open to all long-term care stakeholders. Click on http://www.mcknightsonline.com/content/index.php?id=153 to learn more and register.

The measure passed Thursday would, among other things, allow workforces to unionize without having to rely on secret balloting. If labor organizers could collect enough authorization cards from workers before a vote, authorities would have to recognize a new union unit.