Businesses Fear OSHA Proposal Opens Door to Unionization Efforts

A proposal to allow union representatives and other non-employees to accompany OSHA inspectors is drawing criticism and praise, with employer advocates saying it would encourage “political mischief” and union supporters stressing that the proposal would ensure “a basic right” of workers.

A prime concern for employers is that workers at non-union job sites would select a union official as their inspection representative, potentially leading to the workers voting for unionization.

The comments submitted to the US Occupational Safety and Health Administration are the first round of what’s likely to be a protracted political and legal fight. At issue is whether ...