Summarized by Melisa Davis

Hatch Stradles Fence on Anti-Union Violence Bill

WASHINGTON, DC -- Union-related violence during a strike is nothing new. In fact, it isn't even illegal. A Supreme Court decision in 1973 absolved unions of responsibility for union-organized violence.

In the ongoing strike by the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, snipers have shot 54 nonstriking truckers. Most attacks take place on interstate highways, posing hazards to other drivers. A bill languishing in the Senate Judiciary Committee could help end this violence.

The Freedom from Union Violence Act has been held in the committee, chaired by Senator Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, for 16 months. Hatch has said that he supports the bill, and has worked out of the public eye to get it passed. In a Senate-floor speech this year, the senator said, "Our government's first domestic responsibility is to protect the people from crime and violence." Christopher Rosche, director of communications for Hatch, said that no vote on FUVA is scheduled because not enough committee members support it.

Hatch recently co-hosted a GOP reception honoring Teamsters' President James P. Hoffa. Hatch supports union reform, and sees the chance to recognize Hoffa's efforts for change as an opportunity to encourage further reform, according to Rosche. He said that Hatch's attendance at the reception does not undermine his support of FUVA.

Source:

Utah senator stradles fence on anti-union violence bill
Excite News (Daily Universe) 14Aug00 T2
By Amber Coe: Daily Universe