This is why the proposed labor bill that retail giants Whole Foods, Costco and Starbucks put out over the weekend under a newly formed (out of nowhere) group called the “Committee for Level Playing Field for Union Elections” got zero legs on Capitol Hill. Perhaps working people in this country are finally being heard – we don’t want a concessionary Employee Free Choice Act, we really truly want the Employee Free Choice Act, as it was introduced to Congress (again) earlier this month.
Today U.S. Representatives George Miller and Rob Andrews, along with Senator Tom Harkin issued a joint statement that said the proposal unveiled by the three companies this weekend as an alternative to the Employee Free Choice Act would further undermine workers’ rights on the job.
“This proposal is unacceptable. It was written by CEOs for CEOs. It is not a serious attempt at labor law reform because it fails to fundamentally address key problems that currently prevent workers from being able to join together and bargain for a better life,” they wrote.
American Rights At Work summed up how unions make a difference in this country, and for those that aren’t sure, I wanted to post some of what they said.
“Unions are an essential part of a strong democracy and play a crucial role in America’s public and community life. Not only do they give workers a voice on the job and help negotiate fair benefits and wages for their members, but they also use their political and economic resources to raise the floor for everyone who works for a living.
“Unions, by fighting for higher standards for workers, businesses, families, the environment, and public health and safety, have helped to build the middle class and make sure the economy works for everyone.”
The other day, in another blog entry, I wrote, “If ever there was a time for folks to see how anti-union this country is, it would be now. All one needs to do is tune into the Employee Free Choice Act online. Corporations are obviously dropping millions – if not billions – into fighting this legislation, swaying the general public, and doing so to the point of outright lying about what the Employee Free Choice does and does not do.”
Today I can say that there is no better time for labor activists, progressive bloggers and all around working people to mobilize around this one ultimate goal of getting the Employee Free Choice Act passed, without Whole Foods, Starbucks and Costco concessions.
