Employee Free Choice Act

EMPLOYEE FREE CHOICE ACT -- (House of Representatives - March 01, 2007)

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Mr. ETHERIDGE. Madam Chairman, I rise in support of H.R. 800, Employee Free Choice Act, and I urge my colleagues to join me in voting in favor of it.

I support the Employee Free Choice Act because I believe in protecting America's workers and their rights in the workplace. The National Labor Relations Act of 1935 was landmark legislation that allowed workers to organize and bargain collectively. These rights need to be safeguarded for the benefit of our working men and women who make up America's middle class. However, in a time of economic growth and high corporate profits, these middle class families have actually lost ground. Ensuring their freedom to join together and bargain for better wages, benefits, and working conditions is crucial to improving their plight in today's economy.

H.R. 800, Employee Free Choice Act protects workers in several ways. The bill increases penalties for employers who violate the National Labor Relations Act while employees are attempting to organize. It enables both the employer and the union to seek arbitration and mediation during talks for their first contract. Finally, H.R. 800 allows workers to form a union if the National Labor Relations Board finds that a majority of workers have signed authorizations to designate the union as their bargaining representative. This ``card check' process means workers can still choose to unionize through the current secret ballot method if they wish, but they also would have an avenue that is more protected from intimidation and manipulation from employers who act in bad faith.

In addition, I oppose any amendments designed to weaken this bill. The substitute amendment presented by Representative MCKEON would strip the Employee Free Choice Act of its original intent. The amendment would prohibit employers from recognizing a union despite a majority of workers signing authorization cards. The amendment introduced by Representative STEVE KING would outlaw the organizing tactic known as ``salting.' The Supreme Court has expressly upheld this practice under the National Labor Relations Act. In addition, the amendment presented by Representative FOXX concerning ``Do Not Call List' would have the effect of cutting off communication between organizers and workers. It could be too easily used as a tool by unscrupulous companies to pressure employees.

I urge my colleagues to join me in voting for H.R. 800, Employee Free Choice Act and protecting the rights of our working men and women.

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