As union members we all know the value of strong representation in the workplace. We also know what it was like to fight for the right to have a voice on the job, a say in how you are treated, the hours you work, the wages you are paid and benefits you receive. But millions of non-union workers across the country don’t have these rights, and its time for that to change.

The Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA) is an important piece of legislation that is a critical step in rebuilding the middle class and revitalizing our sagging economy. EFCA must pass if working families are to survive.

History has shown that our economy performs its best when the middle class is its strongest. However, over the years we have seen corporate America continue to manipulate the system, lying, lobbying and litigating away workers’ rights. The system has become so one-sided in favor of the employers that many workers are scared to even mention the word union, never mind attempt to join one.

But we know that a vast majority of working Americans want union representation. A study by Hart Research Associates found that almost 60 percent of non-managerial American workers would join a union if they could. So why have we seen union numbers decline over the past 30 years?

Right now, a majority of workers must first sign cards if they want to join a union. Then they need to get permission for an election. Then they generally go through a drawn-out election campaign. Often the company appeals the election results, again and again. Often the company refuses to negotiate with a union even after workers elect one.

Since the 1970s, corporations have become experts at harassing and intimidating their workers during that long process. It’s called union busting. A whole industry of consultants and lawyers grew up around it.

The Employee Free Choice Act, now before Congress, would restore fairness to union organizing. It says that if a majority of workers sign cards to join a union, then they join a union – so long as the government certifies that the cards are valid. If the company refuses to negotiate with the union, they can ask for federal mediation and then arbitration.

The Employee Free Choice Act will help level the playing field and give workers the right to seek union representation free of intimidation from the company. It is time to put the power back in the hands of the people who actually get their hands dirty for a living. 
 

May 20th, 2010 - Read EFCA Article  "Hey, Union-Busters: We’ll Give You Supermajority"