Momentum Grows for NLRB Rule Changes
Momentum is building as the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) gears up to hold hearings next week on its proposed rule designed to ensure a fair process for workers who want to vote on whether to form a union. More members of Congress and academics have joined a growing group of working people and workers’ rights advocates in voicing their support for the rule changes.
Here are a few of the people and organizations who’ve spoken out for the rule change.
Laborers (LIUNA) President Terry O’Sullivan:
The common-sense reforms the NLRB has proposed will begin to bring union elections into the 21st century and are a step toward reducing the possibility of unscrupulous employers interfering with the right of workers to make an informed decision on whether to unionize.
Congressional Black Caucus: Public Employees Deserve a Seat at Table in Wisconsin
Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker’s proposal to eliminate bargaining rights for public employees is “blatantly un-American” and “jeopardizes the viability of the people during these tough economic times,” say Reps. Emanuel Cleaver (D-Mo.) and Gwen Moore (D-Wis.).
In a letter to Walker, Cleaver, who chairs the Congressional Black Caucus, and Moore, who represents Milwaukee in Congress, say public servants deserve a seat at the table to help solve the state’s fiscal crisis. The letter says:
Your constituents and Americans all across the country have made it clear that unionization is a cherished right worth protecting. Unions have not only empowered this nation, but helped create and maintain the American middle class.
In a seperate statement, Cleaver says:
Anytime the rights of public workers are being compromised, it is our duty to stand with them. For 40 years, the Congressional Black Caucus has worked tirelessly to ensure that all Americans, regardless of race, color or creed, have the opportunity to fully pursue and achieve the American dream. Taking away public employees’ rights to collectively bargain seems like an assault on the pursuit of that dream.
Rep. Gwen Moore Energizes Milwaukee Labor Volunteers
Karen Hickey, Wisconsin AFL-CIO political field communications assistant, sends us this report.
Rep. Gwen Moore (D-Wis.) joined more than 150 union members at a recent labor walk in Milwaukee to thank volunteers for their hard work this election. We went door to door to talk with union members in support of Wisconsin State AFL-CIO endorsed candidates Sen. Russ Feingold (D) and gubernatorial candidate Tom Barrett (D).
Says Penny Amos-Sikora, Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 998 legislative director:
Rep. Moore really energized the participants. She reminded us that big changes are never quick and easy, but we are making progress on issues like healthcare and job creation because union members are engaged in politics. Even when the pace of improvements is frustrating, we have to hang onto and strengthen working family majorities, not just in the federal government, but in state and local government, too.
