Top executives in the furniture industry combined forces and went to Washington DC in January 2009 to meet with Congress members about specific policy concerns. Among the furniture executives in the delegation were Kevin Sauder, CEO and president of Sauder Woodworking; Stefanie Lucas, CEO and president of Rowe Fine Furniture; Chairman Ron Wanek of Ashley Furniture; and several others.

 

The goal of the furniture delegation was to discuss policy options to stimulate consumer purchases and avoid excessive cost increases to the industry. The top discussion item with 13 Congresspersons was the problems with the Card Check Bill. The executives aired their frustration with the idea of this bill, also known as the Employee Free Choice Act.

 

The Employee Free Choice Act would put an end to secret ballot voting by employees and instead require employers to recognize a union as soon as a majority of their workers sign their cards of support. Right now, employees can cast their votes confidentially, without feeling coerced by anyone, whether by the management or by a specific union.

 

CEO Bruce Bardburn of Bradburn Company expressed his concern this way: “This bill would change the role of government arbitrators from interpreting contracts to potentially writing the terms and conditions of contracts that would be binding on all parties for two years. Our objective was to make it clear to lawmakers that we oppose any proposals such as this that would hinder the rights of our employees, our ability to maintain jobs, and our industry’s ability to maintain economic competitiveness.”

 

 

Another group of furniture executives met earlier in the month with lawmakers to discuss provisions from the Stimulus Bill of 2009 that would be costly to the furniture industry. One provision would have required the companies to offer COBRA to terminated employees age 55 or older until they reached the age of 65. The second provision would have required the same extended COBRA coverage for terminated workers with 10 years or more vested service time.

 

Ultimately the executives were successful with their mission, because the final Stimulus Bill eliminated the two COBRA requirements. The American Home Furnishings Alliance (AHFA) of High Point, North Carolina, will continue its efforts on Capitol Hill throughout the year. For more information on how the AHFA will be keeping the industry strong, visit www.ahfa.us.

By Rita Henry
Get Furniture Jobs, Contributing Editor