Leading Human, Civil, and Labor Rights Organizations Support Employee Free Choice Act

Wednesday, February 28, 2007

WASHINGTON, DC -- Leading human, civil, and workers' rights organizations are urging Congress to pass legislation (H.R. 800, the Employee Free Choice Act) that would enable workers to form unions and bargain for better wages, benefits, and working conditions, U.S. Rep. George Miller (D-CA) announced today.

"Organizations that are committed to the mission of expanding human, civil, and labor rights in the United States and around the world support this legislation, and their support shows how important it is for working families that Congress enact this bill into law," said Miller, the chairman of the Education and Labor Committee.

For a full list of organizations that support the Employee Free Choice Act, click here.

To read statements and letters of support from the following organizations, click on the links below (PDF files):

• Human Rights Watch
• Leadership Conference on Civil Rights
• International Trade Union Confederation
• Drum Major Institute for Public Policy
• US Action
• American Library Association  

The Employee Free Choice Act would reform a broken system in which employers frequently intimidate, harass, reassign, or even fire workers who support the formation of a union. Under the legislation, when a majority of workers in a workplace sign cards authorizing a union, they would get a union. Giving workers the ability to bargain for better wages and benefits is a key part of strengthening America's middle class. Union workers earn 30 percent more, on average, than do nonunion workers, and union workers are much more likely to have healthcare, pensions, and more generous paid time off.

For more information on the legislation, click here.

###

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Tom Kiley / Rachel Racusen
2181 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
202-226-0853