Senate rejects GOP bid to nullify union election rules

The Senate has rejected a Republican attempt to overturn new regulations designed to give unions quicker workplace representation elections.

The 54-45 vote against a disapproval resolution leaves intact new National Labor Relations Board rules scheduled to take effect April 30. Unions sought the new regulations. Business groups had opposed them.

Under the old rules, workers typically voted within 45 to 60 days after a union gathered enough signatures to petition for an election. The new rules could cut that time by days or weeks by simplifying procedures and putting off some potential challenges until after the vote.

Republicans claim the new rules won't leave company managers enough time to respond to union organizing efforts. Unions say the rule changes will help curtail corporate stalling tactics.