WASHINGTON, D.C.  - Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) praises the introduction of the Truth in Employment Act of 2009 in both the U.S. Senate by Jim DeMint (R - S.C.), and in the U.S. House of Representative by Rep. Steve King (R - Iowa). This measure would amend the National Labor Relations Act to make clear that an employer is not required to hire any person who is not a "bona fide applicant" because the applicant is simply seeking a job to promote interests unrelated to those of the employer.

"ABC calls on Congress to pass this important legislation and put an end to this indefensible union tactic that serves only to wreak economic hardship on hardworking business owners and their employees," said 2009 ABC National Chairman Jerry Gorski, president of Gorski Engineering, Inc., Collegeville, Pa. "Enactment of this bill will ensure that no company can be forced to hire an individual whose goal is to harass workers and pressure them to join a union."

"Salting" abuse is the intentional placing of trained union professional organizers and agents in a merit shop facility to harass or disrupt company operations, apply economic pressure to business owners, increase operating and legal costs, and ultimately put the company out of business. The objectives of the union agents are accomplished through filing frivolous and unfair labor practice complaints or discrimination charges against the employer with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).  The Truth in Employment Act will serve in protecting employers and their legitimate employees from this deceptive practice.

Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) is a national association representing 25,000 merit shop construction and construction-related firms in 79 chapters across the United States. Visit them at www.abc.org.