Employee Free Choice Act

EMPLOYEE FREE CHOICE ACT

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Mr. DINGELL. Madam Chairman, I rise today in support of H.R. 800, the Employee Free Choice Act.

In the words of President John F. Kennedy, ``The American labor movement has consistently demonstrated its devotion to the public interest. It is, and has been, good for all America. Those who would destroy or further limit the rights of organized labor--those who cripple collective bargaining or prevent organization of the unorganized--do a disservice to the cause of democracy.'

Like my dad, I have always supported working families and am happy to see this bill on the floor today.

For the past few years, workers in this country have been under relentless attack by those who seek to abolish their fundamental right to organize.

Simply put, the legislation we are debating today will provide that a majority of workers is sufficient for the formal recognition of a union.

Quite frankly, I don't see what the controversy is all about. If the majority of employees want to be represented by a union, they should have the right to do so. Labor unions stand for decent wages and benefits and safe working conditions. They fight against poverty and unemployment, and for equal justice and human rights.

Unions represent the basic right to a fair day's pay for a fair day's work. They provide a voice for individual workers to express their concerns without fear of retribution. Unions understand that raising the bar for workers helps raise the bar for all Americans. We are all much better off today because of the efforts of unions over the years.

I am proud to be an original cosponsor of this legislation and to be here today to vote for it. I urge all of my colleagues to join me in standing up for the rights of hardworking Americans by supporting the Employee Free Choice Act.

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