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Employee Free Choice Act Important for LGBT Workers
The Employee Free Choice Act would give all workers the freedom to make their own choice about whether to join a union, but for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) workers, the bill has special importance.
In 32 states, LGBT workers can be fired for no reason unless they are protected by a union contract, says Nancy Wohlforth, co-president of the AFL-CIO constituency group Pride At Work. In a new video (left), Wohlforth urges LGBT workers to join in the week of action to support the Employee Free Choice Act.
Wohlforth, who also serves as secretary-treasurer of the Office and Professional Employees, says a worker is fired or disciplined every 23 minutes for supporting workers’ freedom to join a union. That fact alone makes workers fearful about trying to form a union, but LGBT workers who back joining a union are doubly vulnerable, Wohlforth says, facing possible discrimination on the job because of their sexual orientation and their union support.
Click here to see the video.
Noting that Vice President Dick Cheney has said President Bush will veto the Employee Free Choice Act if it passes, Wohlforth calls on LGBT workers to urge their senators and representatives to vote for the bill to ensure a veto-proof majority in both houses.
Click here to find an Employee Free Choice Act event near you.
The legislation (H.R. 800) was introduced Feb. 5 and has the bipartisan support of 233 co-sponsors. The legislation would give workers greater freedom to make their own decisions about joining a union to bargain for a better life by:
- Establishing stronger penalties for violations of employee rights when workers seek to form a union and during first-contract negotiations;
- Providing mediation and arbitration for first-contract disputes; and
- Allowing employees to form unions by signing cards authorizing union representation.
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2 Comments
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As we continue evolve as a Democratic Nation we must pay particular attention to issues involving ever greater Political, Social and Economic Justice. The LTBG Workers are our Union Brothers & Sisters and they deserve our full support.
A person should not be discriminated against because of their Sex or Gender.
Bravo to the AFL-CIO for posting this story.
Together we can win this fight.