7 Consumer groups demand Congress pass Employee Free Choice Act

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.pww.org/article/articleview/14226/

Author: Mark Gruenberg PAI Staff Writer
People's Weekly World Newspaper, 01/02/09 21:10

WASHINGTON (PAI)--Saying it would help consumers, help stop predatory lenders and “ensure workers’ hard-earned wages go to supporting their families and communities,” seven leading consumer organizations demanded the new Democratic-run 111th Congress pass the Employee Free Choice Act.

Not only would the law help level the playing field between workers and bosses in union organizing drives and obtaining first contracts, the groups told lawmakers, but it would also help restore wages, health care and the middle class.

The groups, led by the National Consumers League – an ally of workers and their causes for over a century – sent their letter in mid-December to incoming legislators. The new Congress, convening Jan. 6, has expanded pro-worker majorities in the House and the Senate.

But Republicans and their business backers, who are dead set against the Employee Free Choice Act, will have at least 41 GOP senators. That’s enough to keep a filibuster going against the bill, killing it, if each of those Republicans votes to do so.

The Chamber of Commerce and other business groups have already launched a vicious anti-union campaign trying to stop the law. They plan to spend tens of millions of dollars for disinformation, pressure, advertising and lobbying.

The Chamber’s top lobbyist calls the battle over the Employee Free Choice Act “Armageddon” for business and its right wing allies.

FULL article at link.

[IndyOp]

1. Keep it up, Steve! We need this info now. The corporate dogs are howling. (n/t)

[trthnd4jstc]

2. Why should 30% of those that respond to the Union have the right to force the shop to go Union?

I am pretty certain that I will be hated, but please consider this. I am a tiny business person. I do not lie to my clients, my employees, my partners, nor the governments. I do not want to have the majority to vote to go to any AFL-CIO union affiliates. No man or woman deserves Jouneyman pay, if he or she is a slow, or low producer. People should get paid and rewarded based upon what he, or she, or whatever has contributed to the business. I do not mind, IWW. Also, I am offering stock options and allow the employees rights that more than half of all employers do not give. People may take breaks when they see fit, I tell everyone where the money is at with the business, and I pay, what I think are fair wages, and if and when the businesses that I am engaged with. My enterprises will be in series of Employee co-owned LLC's and Type C Corporations.

I believe that the people in a business should have the opportunity, if he or she or whatever desires stock ownership.

I hate tyranny, and call myself a Democratic Socialist. My quest consists of making $60,000 to $80,000 a year, start and successfully co-run some factories, retail outlets, and other businesses.

This Employee Free Choice Act will hurt us.

I am offering stock options. If I was to pay Union Scale, I would have to charge about 35% more, my competition most assuredly would take over about 70% to 85% of my business. Price is a driver.

Does Idealism mean that my businesses will have to fail? Since if the AFL-CIO affiliates get a hold of my businesses, I will most assuredly go bankrupt.

I am trying to make the world a better place. I swear with my blood, that the Employee Free Choice Act gives 30% of the employees to determine the future pricing structure of any small business owner(s), and that is FAIR?

[Omaha Steve]

4. Actually it takes 50% plus one to win union recognition

Corrected.

It takes 30% to call for an election under current law. That won't change. It would still require 50% plus one for an election OR card check win. Perhaps you have missed many posts in the Labor Forum about several unions that have voted for lower wages and benefits in 2008.

What if your competitors are unionized instead of your company with EFCA? Would you then think about paying union scale and benefits? If all the boats get lifted by EFCA, your still in a winning position. So you want EFCA to organize your competition. :-)

There are a lot of scenarios, so it is hard to comment on your post. In general a union shop has a contract that must be followed. Owners in general don't like that. In a non union shop (especially right to work states) the company can do as it pleases.

"Jouneyman pay, if he or she is a slow, or low producer".

Those that have stock in a company don't want a slacker either. Journeyman is reserved for workers that work for a smaller wage while going through a learning process of a TRADE. Licenses are usually required like a plumber or electrician to get that kind of rating.

OS

[.... callchet ....]

5. It s just that it is not about you

it is about the whole scheme of actions that makes life better for everyone. You would be collateral damage, If we had universal childcare, health

care your costs would reduce and you might survive. And yes you might fail. But lets try and get government on your side to help reduce your costs.

[gulfcoastliberal]

3. K&R nt