Bush Vs. Workers
Cheney announced that Bush will veto the Employee Free Choice Act if it is passed. This act would make it easier for workers to organize.
First off, the resolution makes it easier for unions to get started. The legislation will change current law so that workers need only to get a majority to request union representation. Currently, an employer can require a secret election even in the case that a majority of workers request a union.
Also, the act will further protect workers from being fired or otherwise mistreated for organizing. The resolution adds some enforcement measures to the protection already instituted by the National Labor Relations Act.
The National Labor Relations Board cited that over 20,000 workers per year from 1993-2003 were “illegally fired, demoted, laid off, suspended without pay, or denied work by their employers as a result of the workers’ union activity.” These actions do more than suppress the organizing activities of 20,000 workers. The real value is in the intimidation factor that sends a powerful message to countless other workers who might be interested in protecting their rights. Organize and you will pay for it.
There is no need to repeat here the dire state of unions in America and the resulting effects this low union membership has on wages, benefits, human rights, and other indicators. These observations have already been well documented elsewhere.
Unions are the worst enemy of big business, and Bush is sure to score points with the corporate crowd for resisting this legislation.
This legislation, or the veto of this legislation, will have real effects on workers and all Americans. Those who care about workers rights will be sure to push for the passage of this act, as part of a larger struggle to win real change for workers everywhere.