Monday, June 8, 2009 | 2:51 p.m.
WASHINGTON -- Even though the Employee Free Choice Act in its current form seems doomed, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said today talks continue on a compromise bill.
Reid conceded that the legislation had stalled. The bill, which would make it easier for workers to organize unions, is widely supported by labor but opposed by business.
“We originally thought we would have something done by now,” Reid told Nevada reporters during a conference call with Labor Secretary Hilda Solis. “That’s not the way it’s going to be.”
Reid said talks continue, however, with a core group of senators and companies that have expressed an interest in alternative proposals, including Whole Foods and Costco. Those companies, along with Starbucks, suggested areas for compromise earlier this year, but the proposal was rejected by labor.
“We have a number of people talking right now, trying to come up with a bill that will get 60 votes,” Reid said, referring to the Senate votes needed to pass a key hurdle in the chamber.
Solis added, “We support the continuation of discussions.”
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