New NV initiative for secret union ballots

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CARSON CITY (AP) - A new initiative has been launched in Nevada to require secret balloting in union organizing elections after a first one seeking a constitutional amendment died for lack of signatures.

The latest "Save Our Secret Ballot" initiative was filed Monday with the secretary of state's office. It seeks to change state law, as opposed to the constitution.

The movement, supported by business groups in about a dozen states, is a response to pending federal legislation that would allow a majority of employees to unionize by signing cards. Currently, employers can require a secret ballot.

Nevada organizers need to collect 97,000 signatures by Nov. 9 to send the matter to the 2011 Legislature. It would go to voters in 2012 if lawmakers reject or fail to act on it.