Senators hear small-business concerns on labor union bill

Sens. Hillary Rodham Clinton and Charles Schumer support legislation that would make it easier for employees to form unions, but they told members of the Business Council of New York State yesterday that they were willing to consider its effect on small businesses.

Both of New York's senators were noncommittal about considering changes to the bill, known as the Employee Free Choice Act, which would require employers to recognize a union if at least 51 percent of workers signed a card asking for representation.