What do the Mid-Term Elections Mean for Human Resources?

 

---

With the 2006 election upon us, there are a number of important trends which could have significant consequences for human resources.  The most significant would be a change in committee leadership in one or both houses of Congress.  If the Democrats gain a majority in either house, the chairmanships of the respective committees that take up legislation will change.  Polling has shown that trade and political activity surrounding human resource issues, especially labor relations, FLSA reform and pension reform, cut across party, rural, and urban lines.

According to a recent FedSmith.com article, issues of national scope are of primary interest to voters, despite 2006 not being a Presidential election year.

This November, Americans will go to the polls in nationwide elections.  While this is not a presidential election year, the decisions voters make will have an impact on government policies.  To gauge the sentiment of our readers with regard to the elections, we asked several questions in a recent poll.  Here are the results.

In the upcoming Congressional election, which issues will have the most impact on your voting decision? 

National Issues: 87%

Local Issues: 10%

Not Sure: 2%

Other: 1%

Which national issue do you think is the most important?

War in Iraq: 36%

Immigration: 26%

Nation's Economy: 16%

Federal Deficit: 14%

Gay marriage: 4%

Other: 3%

Not Sure: 1%

Although they may not be able to gain control of both the House and the Senate, the Democrats will likely significantly narrow their margin in the House and may also pick up seats in the Senate.  This November could also bring the election of several new members who have been vocal supporters of organized labor.  It also bears noting that candidates and groups will spend millions of dollars on media campaigns in which outsourcing and trade-related job loss will be central themes, a key issue raised by organized labor as to why they need to have more freedom to organize employees.

According to the latest New York Times/CBS News poll, Americans have a highly negative view of the Republican-run Congress, with a strong majority of respondents stating they disapprove of the job it is doing and that its members do not deserve re-election.   While to a lesser extent, this dissatisfaction applies to the Congressional Democrats as well, this does not bode well for their Republican counterparts. 

A key issue that could have dramatic impact on human resource policies is that of outsourcing.  According to an article posted by the Human Resource Outsourcing Association, “A Democrat controlled house would bring in a new agenda under Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi and new leadership on committees with jurisdiction on trade and employee outsourcing.  One such committee, the House Committee on Ways & Means, has primary jurisdiction over the generation of federal revenue, including the approval of trade deals.  Another, the House Committee on Government Reform & Oversight, has jurisdiction over government operations, including federal contracting.   It appears that Rep. Henry Waxman (D-CA) is poised to take over the gavel of this committee should the Democrats take power.  Waxman is a progressive, outspoken government watchdog.” 

In addition, the AFL-CIO has invested millions in this election and is using their website as the primary campaign tool.  Of important note is a survey they published this past June called “Ask a Working Woman”.  All human resource professionals should review this survey as the results clearly outline the AFL-CIO’s agenda if there is a change in congressional control.  The key issues highlighted are:

• medical expense assistance,
• extended family leave,
• child care, and,
• equal pay.

This document is the cornerstone of organized campaign in 2006 and will become part of a political agenda depending on the outcome of this election.  Take the time to download this survey as it contains the future agenda for human resources’ focus in the workplace.

Regardless of your political affiliation the words of Susan Meisinger from SHRM ring true:

“On the first Tuesday in November, all 435 seats in the U.S. House of Representatives and 33 of the 100 U.S. Senate seats will be contested in the midterm congressional election.  Yet many citizens likely will ignore the polls.  Lacking the mass appeal of the quadrennial presidential elections, midterm contests usually are marked by low voter turnout.  In the last eight midterms, the average turnout was 37 percent of the voting-age population; more than six out of every 10 eligible voters didn't participate in the process of choosing their representatives.  Voting for your U.S. senators and representatives means choosing individuals from your state and district to speak for you in our nation's capital on issues such as health care, immigration and workforce readiness — all of which are vitally important to HR professionals.  As HR professionals, we understand the importance of participating in the political process.  But our responsibility goes beyond merely showing up at the polls.  As leaders in our organizations and communities, we must encourage our co-workers, family members, friends and neighbors to become involved.”

We couldn’t agree more.  We hope to see you at the polls on November 7^th.