Updated 18 NOV 2009 - News
When workers are free to choose to join a union, our economy can work for everyone again. That’s why we need the Employee Free Choice Act—a bill in Congress that would help level the playing field and give workers the freedom to choose a union.
The Employee Free Choice Act:
It’s time our economy worked for everyone again. It’s time for the Employee Free Choice Act.
America’s workers are struggling to make ends meet. Paychecks are shrinking and health care is skyrocketing while CEOs earn millions. In today’s economy, we need policies that give workers a fair shake.
The Employee Free Choice Act will make it easier for men and women to join a union in their workplace. The legislation would give workers a fair and direct path to form unions through majority sign-up, help employees secure a contract with their employer in a reasonable period of time, and toughen penalties against employers who violate their workers' rights.
The Employee Free Choice Act can restore the balance, giving more workers a chance to form unions and get better health care, job security, and benefits – and an opportunity to pursue their dreams.
The Employee Free Choice Act will:
Strengthen penalties against employers who break the law. Too many unscrupulous employers get away with breaking labor laws because the current penalties are too weak. The Employee Free Choice Act would increase penalties against employers who illegally fire or retaliate against pro-union workers during an organizing campaign or an effort to obtain a first contract. Read more about strengthened penalties.
Allow employers or employees to request mediation if they’re unable to negotiate a first contract. Under current law, anti-union employers often drag workers through lengthy negotiations by delaying bargaining sessions, withholding relevant information, and putting forth bogus proposals. Even though these tactics are illegal, there are no effective deterrents to prevent “surface bargaining.” The Employee Free Choice Act will strengthen workers’ ability to achieve a first contract within a reasonable period of time. Read more about mediation & arbitration.
The Employee Free Choice Act would allow workers to form a union through “majority sign-up.” If workers know they want a union, we should have laws that let them have it. The Employee Free Choice Act would require an employer to recognize its employees’ union when a majority has signed union authorization cards. Under current law, management can refuse to recognize a union even when 100 percent of employees have signed authorization cards. After a majority of workers have signed cards, an employer can still call for a separate election. Under the current system, then, the employer gets to decide whether a separate election is necessary. The Employee Free Choice Act would give this choice to the workers. Read more about majority sign-up.
The Employee Free Choice Act:
- Helps America’s working families improve their standard of living. Workers in unions earn 30 percent higher wages and are 59 percent more likely to have employer-provided health insurance.
- Fixes a broken system that gives corporations far too much power. When workers try and organize unions, they are often harassed and intimidated; 25 percent of companies unlawfully fire pro-union workers.
- Restores fairness and the promise of the American Dream, with a robust middle class, economic growth, and shared prosperity.
It’s time our economy worked for everyone again. It’s time for the Employee Free Choice Act.
America’s workers are struggling to make ends meet. Paychecks are shrinking and health care is skyrocketing while CEOs earn millions. In today’s economy, we need policies that give workers a fair shake.
The Employee Free Choice Act will make it easier for men and women to join a union in their workplace. The legislation would give workers a fair and direct path to form unions through majority sign-up, help employees secure a contract with their employer in a reasonable period of time, and toughen penalties against employers who violate their workers' rights.
The Employee Free Choice Act can restore the balance, giving more workers a chance to form unions and get better health care, job security, and benefits – and an opportunity to pursue their dreams.
The Employee Free Choice Act will:
Strengthen penalties against employers who break the law. Too many unscrupulous employers get away with breaking labor laws because the current penalties are too weak. The Employee Free Choice Act would increase penalties against employers who illegally fire or retaliate against pro-union workers during an organizing campaign or an effort to obtain a first contract. Read more about strengthened penalties.
Allow employers or employees to request mediation if they’re unable to negotiate a first contract. Under current law, anti-union employers often drag workers through lengthy negotiations by delaying bargaining sessions, withholding relevant information, and putting forth bogus proposals. Even though these tactics are illegal, there are no effective deterrents to prevent “surface bargaining.” The Employee Free Choice Act will strengthen workers’ ability to achieve a first contract within a reasonable period of time. Read more about mediation & arbitration.
The Employee Free Choice Act would allow workers to form a union through “majority sign-up.” If workers know they want a union, we should have laws that let them have it. The Employee Free Choice Act would require an employer to recognize its employees’ union when a majority has signed union authorization cards. Under current law, management can refuse to recognize a union even when 100 percent of employees have signed authorization cards. After a majority of workers have signed cards, an employer can still call for a separate election. Under the current system, then, the employer gets to decide whether a separate election is necessary. The Employee Free Choice Act would give this choice to the workers. Read more about majority sign-up.
There's been a lot of misinformation (read:lies) about the EFCA going around the media, and the internet. Several well known anti-Worker, anti-Union groups have spearheaded the campaign of misinformation against this Act and the Rights of Workers. These groups have made statements purporting to be fact, but the reality is that no amount of smoke and mirrors can render the same convoluted outcome that those folks make. Unlike our opposition we don't need to hide behind a veil of lies, nor do we need to hide a bunch of anti-Worker and anti-Union rhetoric in hopes that you will never actually look at the Senate/House bills for the Employee Free Choice Act and then compare it to the National Labor Relations Act to see exactly what it does and does not do for the Working Class.
Instead of relying on a bunch of propaganda to mislead folks, we would rather let the facts guide you to the truth.... so here's Just the Facts.
Employee Free Choice Act: Senate S.560 (pdf) | House H.R.1409 (pdf)
National Labor Relations Act: NLRA (pdf)
As one will quickly see and read from the above Bills and Act, there's a whole lot of untruth being spread around in regards to the EFCA. We could go on and on about what the EFCA means and what it will do, but to be honest the US House Committee of Education & Labor does an extremely good job of explaining the EFCA that we'll let them explain the finer details. Check out these links on their site:
Instead of relying on a bunch of propaganda to mislead folks, we would rather let the facts guide you to the truth.... so here's Just the Facts.
Employee Free Choice Act: Senate S.560 (pdf) | House H.R.1409 (pdf)
National Labor Relations Act: NLRA (pdf)
As one will quickly see and read from the above Bills and Act, there's a whole lot of untruth being spread around in regards to the EFCA. We could go on and on about what the EFCA means and what it will do, but to be honest the US House Committee of Education & Labor does an extremely good job of explaining the EFCA that we'll let them explain the finer details. Check out these links on their site:
United We Bargain, Divided We Beg!
Dear Working Class Brothers and Sisters:
A robust middle class. Economic growth and shared prosperity. The American Dream. None are possible unless workers have the free choice to bargain for a better life — in their workplaces and in our nation.
That’s why Workers need the Employee Free Choice Act — critical legislation that would restore workers' freedom to form unions and bargain for better wages, health care, and working conditions — and have a voice in our economy.
We’re teaming up with hundreds of organizations and unions to launch a massive campaign — the Million Member Mobilization.
We're going to show the new president and Congress that there are one million people who want to give hardworking families a chance to get ahead. Can you be one of the first?
Click here to sign the petition for the Employee Free Choice Act. In addition to signing the petition, please call your Senators today and urge them to support the Employee Free Choice Act: 1-866-207-2060.
If you're unsure of who your Senators are, here's the list: Senators of the 111th Congress
A robust middle class. Economic growth and shared prosperity. The American Dream. None are possible unless workers have the free choice to bargain for a better life — in their workplaces and in our nation.
That’s why Workers need the Employee Free Choice Act — critical legislation that would restore workers' freedom to form unions and bargain for better wages, health care, and working conditions — and have a voice in our economy.
We’re teaming up with hundreds of organizations and unions to launch a massive campaign — the Million Member Mobilization.
We're going to show the new president and Congress that there are one million people who want to give hardworking families a chance to get ahead. Can you be one of the first?
Click here to sign the petition for the Employee Free Choice Act. In addition to signing the petition, please call your Senators today and urge them to support the Employee Free Choice Act: 1-866-207-2060.
If you're unsure of who your Senators are, here's the list: Senators of the 111th Congress
Why is this bill so important? It's plain as day: Workers are struggling in this country.
The playing field is tilted in favor of lavishly paid CEOs who get golden parachutes while middle class families get stuck holding the bag. The Employee Free Choice Act can restore the balance, giving workers freedom to form unions and bargain for better a life — and an opportunity to pursue their dreams.
Corporate interests are fighting the Employee Free Choice Act with everything they’ve got. They’re protecting the status quo — a rigged system which allows them to intimidate, harass, and even fire workers who try to form a union. We're not talking about isolated incidents: Thirty percent of employers illegally fire workers who try to form unions.
It’s time our economy worked for everyone again. It’s time for Congress to pass the Employee Free Choice Act.
Add your name to the petition and add your voice to this growing movement. Help us meet our goal of one million signatures! Click here to sign the petition.
Together, we can change the law, change the economy, and change our futures for the better.
In solidarity,
UAW Local 5287
The playing field is tilted in favor of lavishly paid CEOs who get golden parachutes while middle class families get stuck holding the bag. The Employee Free Choice Act can restore the balance, giving workers freedom to form unions and bargain for better a life — and an opportunity to pursue their dreams.
Corporate interests are fighting the Employee Free Choice Act with everything they’ve got. They’re protecting the status quo — a rigged system which allows them to intimidate, harass, and even fire workers who try to form a union. We're not talking about isolated incidents: Thirty percent of employers illegally fire workers who try to form unions.
It’s time our economy worked for everyone again. It’s time for Congress to pass the Employee Free Choice Act.
Add your name to the petition and add your voice to this growing movement. Help us meet our goal of one million signatures! Click here to sign the petition.
Together, we can change the law, change the economy, and change our futures for the better.
In solidarity,
UAW Local 5287
-Click on the title to read that article-
30 OCT 2009 Baseball players make a pitch for Employee Free Choice Act
As the reigning World Champion Philadelphia Phillies and the New York Yankees square off in the 2009 World Series, each team plays by the same set of rules.
Those rules are enforced even handedly by a crew of professional umpires who ensure the integrity of the game.
And that's what baseball stars including the Phillies' Jimmy Rollins, the Yankees' Mark Teixeira and 10 others want for America's workers.......the right to a level playing field when dealing with their employers.
The baseball stars know the only way American workers will ever win justice in the workplace is through passage of the Employee Free Choice Act. That's why they lent their names to an ad that appeared earlier this week in The Hill, Roll Call and Politco newspapers.
"All Americans should have the same opportunity we've had -- to be able to join a union without being fired and to negotiate with their employers without being penalized," their statement reads. "Today, our country is facing some tough times. Health care costs are skyrocketing. Families are losing homes. Savings and retirement income are disappearing overnight. Now more than ever, we need a strong union movement to protect our jobs, our pensions, and our future. The Employee Free Choice Act simply guarantees a level playing field for all workers. It makes sure everyone plays by the same rules. That's as important in the workplace as it is in baseball."
Other players lending their names to the effort are Shane Victorino; Heath Bell; Dave Bush; LaTroy Hawkins; Torii Hunter; John Lannan; Andrew Miller; J.J. Putz; Justin Verlander and Adam Wainwright, all members of the Major League Baseball Players Association.
8 JUNE 09 The unpleasant truth
A war against organizing
Cornell University study shows impact of employer intimidation
Cornell University professor Kate Bronfenbrenner, an expert in the study of union organizing campaigns, reports on her latest findings in the Washington Post. The unpleasant truth: Employers are stepping up their campaign of illegal threats, firings and intimidation, demonstrating the need for comprehensive reform of our nation's labor laws.
Cornell University study shows impact of employer intimidation
Cornell University professor Kate Bronfenbrenner, an expert in the study of union organizing campaigns, reports on her latest findings in the Washington Post. The unpleasant truth: Employers are stepping up their campaign of illegal threats, firings and intimidation, demonstrating the need for comprehensive reform of our nation's labor laws.
3 APRIL 2009 Faces of the Employee Free Choice Act
There were actors on Capitol Hill in support of the Employee Free Choice Act last week: Martin Sheen, Bradley Whitford and Richard Schiff, all formerly of the hit show "The West Wing" and members of the Screen Actors Guild/American Federation of Television and Radio Artists.
They were well-spoken on the merits of the bill that would promote justice in the workplace by making the union-election process fairer to workers. And Sheen may have had the best quote of the day when he said, "We're going to have some very proud scars when this thing becomes law."
The Employee Free Choice Act has millions of famous and not-so-famous supporters, and includes those who already have some scars. You can now see their faces and read their stories on Faces of the Employee Free Choice Act. Many workers who have tried to form a union have stories like this:
"I believed that what the union had to offer would benefit my coworkers and the company itself -– but I got fired for trying to organize a union," Dan Luevano, an electrician from Keenesburg, Colo., said.
It's one of many reasons we need the Employee Free Choice Act to become law.
They were well-spoken on the merits of the bill that would promote justice in the workplace by making the union-election process fairer to workers. And Sheen may have had the best quote of the day when he said, "We're going to have some very proud scars when this thing becomes law."
The Employee Free Choice Act has millions of famous and not-so-famous supporters, and includes those who already have some scars. You can now see their faces and read their stories on Faces of the Employee Free Choice Act. Many workers who have tried to form a union have stories like this:
"I believed that what the union had to offer would benefit my coworkers and the company itself -– but I got fired for trying to organize a union," Dan Luevano, an electrician from Keenesburg, Colo., said.
It's one of many reasons we need the Employee Free Choice Act to become law.
31 MARCH 2009 Specter flip-flops on Employee Free Choice Act
Sen. Arlen Specter, R.-Pa., has announced a major flip-flop. After signing on as a co-sponsor of the Employee Free Choice Act in 2005, he said last week that he will not only vote against the bill this year, but also support a GOP filibuster -- demanded by Big Business -- that will prevent an up-or-down vote on the bill.
Reacting to Specter’s announcement, the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) admitted that corporate America’s strategy to stop much-needed labor law reforms is to block any vote at all on the subject on the floor of the Senate.
Business lobbyists will urge legislators to "oppose any vote on EFCA, procedural or otherwise," said NAM President John Engler, a former Republican governor of Michigan.
Using a filibuster to stop the democratic process in its tracks is pretty much the only option for Big Business. According to an independent poll by the Gallup Organization, a majority of Americans support reforms to make it easier for workers to form their own unions.
The Employee Free Choice Act is supported by a majority of the House, a majority of the Senate, and President Obama. The bill requires employers to recognize a union based on majority sign-up, implements arbitration of first contracts, and stiffens penalties against employers who illegally retaliate against union activists,
UAW members, along with allies in the labor movement and beyond, are continuing to campaign for the Employee Free Choice Act and other common-sense reforms that will restore fairness to the American workplace.
The case for change in our nation's labor laws was eloquently explained in 2007 -- by none other than Arlen Specter, back when he was still a supporter of Employee Free Choice:
From Specter's remarks to the Senate in 2007:
"I have heard evidence indicating that employees are often denied a meaningful opportunity to determine whether they will be represented by a labor union. ... I am talking about threats, spying, promises, spreading misleading information, and other attempts to coerce workers and interfere with their right to determine for themselves whether they wish to be represented by a labor organization.
"“Based on what I have heard, I have concerns that we have lost the balance of the National Labor Relation Act's fundamental promise -- that workers have the right to vote in a fair election conducted in a non-threatening atmosphere, free of coercion and fear, and without undue delay. Workers should be assured that their decisions will be respected by their employer and the union -- with the support of the government when necessary."
Reacting to Specter’s announcement, the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) admitted that corporate America’s strategy to stop much-needed labor law reforms is to block any vote at all on the subject on the floor of the Senate.
Business lobbyists will urge legislators to "oppose any vote on EFCA, procedural or otherwise," said NAM President John Engler, a former Republican governor of Michigan.
Using a filibuster to stop the democratic process in its tracks is pretty much the only option for Big Business. According to an independent poll by the Gallup Organization, a majority of Americans support reforms to make it easier for workers to form their own unions.
The Employee Free Choice Act is supported by a majority of the House, a majority of the Senate, and President Obama. The bill requires employers to recognize a union based on majority sign-up, implements arbitration of first contracts, and stiffens penalties against employers who illegally retaliate against union activists,
UAW members, along with allies in the labor movement and beyond, are continuing to campaign for the Employee Free Choice Act and other common-sense reforms that will restore fairness to the American workplace.
The case for change in our nation's labor laws was eloquently explained in 2007 -- by none other than Arlen Specter, back when he was still a supporter of Employee Free Choice:
From Specter's remarks to the Senate in 2007:
"I have heard evidence indicating that employees are often denied a meaningful opportunity to determine whether they will be represented by a labor union. ... I am talking about threats, spying, promises, spreading misleading information, and other attempts to coerce workers and interfere with their right to determine for themselves whether they wish to be represented by a labor organization.
"“Based on what I have heard, I have concerns that we have lost the balance of the National Labor Relation Act's fundamental promise -- that workers have the right to vote in a fair election conducted in a non-threatening atmosphere, free of coercion and fear, and without undue delay. Workers should be assured that their decisions will be respected by their employer and the union -- with the support of the government when necessary."
12 MARCH 2009 Employee Free Choice Act introduced in Congress
The Employee Free Choice Act, which will restore balance and fairness to the American workplace, was introduced in Congress on March 10.
The legislation will give workers more options about how to form a union, require arbitration for first contracts, and stiffen penalties for employers who violate workers rights. It is supported by a majority of the American people, a majority of both houses of Congress and President Barack Obama.
"The current crisis has shown us the dangers of an economy that leaves working families behind. The people who work in our factories, build our roads and care for our children are the backbone of this great nation. The Employee Free Choice Act will give these hard-working men and women a greater voice in the decisions that affect their families and their futures," said Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, D-Mass., chairman of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, a co-sponsor of the bill in the U.S. Senate.
"Americans' wages have been stagnating or falling for the past decade. For far too long, we have seen corporate CEOs take care of themselves and shareholders at the expense of workers," said Rep. George Miller, D-Calif., chairman of the House Education and Labor Committee, and the lead sponsor of the legislation in the House.
While there is broad public support for changes to make U.S. labor law more balanced for working families, business groups are lobbying hard against the bill. Your support is needed so we ensure a filibuster-proof majority in the Senate. Take some time to look around the UAW's special Web section on the Employee Free Choice Act. Then join the fight for workers' rights by signing our petition, calling your representative and senators, and educating your friends, neighbors and co-workers.
The legislation will give workers more options about how to form a union, require arbitration for first contracts, and stiffen penalties for employers who violate workers rights. It is supported by a majority of the American people, a majority of both houses of Congress and President Barack Obama.
"The current crisis has shown us the dangers of an economy that leaves working families behind. The people who work in our factories, build our roads and care for our children are the backbone of this great nation. The Employee Free Choice Act will give these hard-working men and women a greater voice in the decisions that affect their families and their futures," said Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, D-Mass., chairman of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, a co-sponsor of the bill in the U.S. Senate.
"Americans' wages have been stagnating or falling for the past decade. For far too long, we have seen corporate CEOs take care of themselves and shareholders at the expense of workers," said Rep. George Miller, D-Calif., chairman of the House Education and Labor Committee, and the lead sponsor of the legislation in the House.
While there is broad public support for changes to make U.S. labor law more balanced for working families, business groups are lobbying hard against the bill. Your support is needed so we ensure a filibuster-proof majority in the Senate. Take some time to look around the UAW's special Web section on the Employee Free Choice Act. Then join the fight for workers' rights by signing our petition, calling your representative and senators, and educating your friends, neighbors and co-workers.
6 MARCH 2009 President Obama reaffirms support for EFCA
http://www.whitehouse.gov/the_press_office/Remarks-of-President-Obama-to-AFL-CIO-Executive-Council/
I want to repeat something that those of you who joined us for the Task Force announcement heard me say: I do not view the labor movement as part of the problem. To me, and to my administration, labor unions are a big part of the solution. We need to level the playing field for workers and the unions that represent their interests – because we cannot have a strong middle class without a strong labor movement.
The truth is, the road ahead will not be easy. The economic crisis we face is vast and the challenges we confront are many; you know this because your members have already had to make sacrifices. But I have every confidence that if we are willing to do the difficult work that must be done, we will emerge from these trials stronger and more prosperous than we were before. And as we confront this crisis and work to provide health care to every American, rebuild our nation’s infrastructure, move toward a clean energy economy, and pass the Employee Free Choice Act, I want you to know that you will always have a seat at the table.
Thank you for everything you do."
I want to repeat something that those of you who joined us for the Task Force announcement heard me say: I do not view the labor movement as part of the problem. To me, and to my administration, labor unions are a big part of the solution. We need to level the playing field for workers and the unions that represent their interests – because we cannot have a strong middle class without a strong labor movement.
The truth is, the road ahead will not be easy. The economic crisis we face is vast and the challenges we confront are many; you know this because your members have already had to make sacrifices. But I have every confidence that if we are willing to do the difficult work that must be done, we will emerge from these trials stronger and more prosperous than we were before. And as we confront this crisis and work to provide health care to every American, rebuild our nation’s infrastructure, move toward a clean energy economy, and pass the Employee Free Choice Act, I want you to know that you will always have a seat at the table.
Thank you for everything you do."
The videos on this page are linked to websites which do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of UAW Local 5287. In addition to this, the videos and/or content contained within in no way assumes endorsement of said content or author unless specifically stated otherwise. Not all content and/or websites associated to the posted videos may be suitable for all ages and as such we assume no responsibility.
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