Tuesday, February 27, 2007

Support the Employee Free Choice Act!

This Thursday the House of Representatives will vote on one of the most important Bills for workers rights in decades. The Employee Free Choice Act. Search Results - THOMAS (Library of Congress) The Employee Free Choice Act American Rights at Work: Employee Free Choice Act This will give workers a chance to become union by signing an authorization card for union representation and bypass the illegal electioneering by corporations to thwart organizing drives. Our own Congressman Mike Thompson is a co-sponsor of this Bill. I applaud his efforts to help the working class.

In 2001 I tried to initiate amendments to a legislative bill asking the 107th Congress to return the National Labor Relations Act to it’s original intent, defending workers right to organize. The Right to Organize Act of 2000 (Introduced in the House) was reintroduced by Mr. Jesse Jackson Jr. and I thought the timing was good.


I had a meet with Liz Murguia who is the Field Representative for Mike Thompson. I outlined my gripes about the shortcomings of union organizing to Liz and asked for direction. She was more than helpful in walking me through steps we would need to take. She suggested the reforms or amendments to the “Acts” needed to be non-threatening to both political parties.

These were the following changes I wanted to see!

Amend the Landrum Griffin Act to include true financial disclosure for companies (plant locations) upon proof of 30% authorization cards by the National Labor Relations Board. (Within 7 days after filing a petition for an NLRB election.)

Amend the Act to protect all workers petitioned for through an election period, including disputed workers bargained or lost in election stipulation process.

Amend the Act to establish set criteria of no more than 45 days from petition filing to election, without deviation by any NLRB representatives.

Amend the Act to include all written briefs and appeals as part of and not including the 45-day election period.

For numerous reasons, mostly the loss of the majority in the House, the Bill was not successful.

This time the Employee Free Choice Act has momentum. I hope this time we will see a victory for the people!

Please contact your local Congressman and other local politico's to spread the word!

3 comments:

  1. Anonymous8:06 PM

    Constitution Day Event

    March Fourth, 3:30-5 pm

    Has-Beans Cafe in Eureka,
    2nd and I st.

    Speakers include local HSU Professors and local politicians.

    Patty Berg-Tentative

    ReplyDelete
  2. Anonymous3:23 PM

    As an employee, you always have a free choice; seek another profession if you don't like the one you have! Don't be a wiener. Try something new and different.

    ReplyDelete
  3. America’s working families scored a major victory moments ago when the U.S. House passed the Employee Free Choice Act by 241–185. Yes! We are moving the right direction!

    ReplyDelete