Workers' Rights
Some 57 million American workers say they would join a union today if they could (Hart Research Associates). Union members earn an average of 28% more than non-union workers and receive better health and retirement benefits. U.S. workers have had the right to join unions since 1935, and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, ratified in 1948, recognizes workers' basic freedom to join a union. Nevertheless, many employers refuse to honor workers' rights by using coercive anti-union tactics in elections under the National Labor Relations Act. Under current law, an employer can recognize a union if a majority of employees demonstrate they wish to be members of the union by signing a card designating the union as their collective bargaining representative ('card check'). The Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA) would make it easier for workers to form a union by requiring recognition of a union if a majority of employees sign an authorization. The act would also establish harsher penalties for violation of employee rights.
The U.S. House of Representatives passed EFCA early in 2007 and the U.S. Senate expressed majority support for passage of the Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA) in a 51-48 June 26th vote. However, this vital legislation was blocked by a procedural measure. The vote, however, shows that you have helped make important progress on this issue.
WFW will continue fighting to level the playing field between workers and employers by giving workers a choice when trying to exercise their voices in the workplace.
Next Steps: Working families must move forward and continue to educate their neighbors and communities about this issue as well as pressing elected officials and candidates for office to support worker justice.