Little Rock - Union business--The focal point for hundreds who marched from Little Rock Central High to the capital Saturday.

All were supporting the Employee Free Choice Act--Making it easier to form unions. But, some opponents say it could also bring down local businesses.

National Labor Leaders and Arkansas workers rallied together in support of the Employee Free Choice Act to amend the National Labor Relations Act.

Introduced to congress this March supporters say it will protect employees in today's economy. Yet, industry leaders say it could hurt business when many are already suffering.

Hundreds gathered in the heat showing support for the Employee Free Choice Act.


(Jim Nickles, Supporter Employee Free Choice Act) “This is an attempt to make it to where they can form unions and they can bargain fee and contracts with employers.”

He says worker's rights have deteriorated and supports union contracts.

(Nickles) “Labor laws brought us minimum wage, brought us pension plans, brought us health insurance all have been eroded in the past 20 years."

Government affairs director for the consolidated Arkansas restaurant industries Mark Abernathy says this bill could kick businesses when they're already down.

(Mark Abernathy, Government Affairs Director of CARI) ”This will close restaurants, thousands of jobs and really increase the cost of dining out.”

He says restaurants are the largest employer in Pulaski County and says if this bill became law layoffs would be inevitable

(Abernathy) ”To the average guy this looks like a good idea but they're the ones that will get hurt the worst.”

Right now, all of the co-sponsors of the bill are Democrats. None are from Arkansas.The bill is in committee.

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