The Mudflats has a good post on the Employee Free Choice Act

[Blue_In_AK]

http://www.themudflats.net/2009/02/04/employee-free-choice-act/

"Employee Free Choice Act vs. NAM, fedoras and Exxon"

What did you do today?

Many of you would answer, “I went to work.” But a group of CEOs, were not at the office today. They were sent to Washington to lobby your elected representatives on behalf of the National Association of Manufacturers.

Who are the National Association of Manufacturers, you ask? They’re the lovely folks who actively opposed the Ledbetter Act, which strengthens women’s ability to seek justice after pay discrimination. They also fought hard to keep the minimum wage at $5.15/hr, while trying to abolish the “estate tax” which affects only a small percentage of the wealthiest Americans. And just to round it out, they’ve thrown their energy behind restricting your right to sue your employer if they’ve exposed you to asbestos, and you’re now sick because of it. Nice people.

They’re governed by a 30-person board, including representation from……(wait for it Alaskans)……Exxon! You remember them, right? Remember that Supreme Court Decision that Sarah Palin couldn’t remember if she agreed with or not? Yeah, they’re great friends to Alaskans. If you want to know more, click that link, but don’t get me started.

So what’s their purpose? What do these people (you can imagine them all dressed like Jack Abramoff, or Dick Cheney at the Inauguration) want with our Senators?

During these tough economic times, when the middle class is hanging on by their fingernails, these slick fedora-wearing elites want to convince our senators to vote against the Employee Free Choice Act, and against labor, and working Americans.

So, while they’re sitting there with Lisa Murkowski and Mark Begich, their little minds are saying this:

The Economic Policy Institute estimates that if 5 million service workers join unions:

*5 million workers would get a 22 percent raise on average, or an additional $7,000 a year;
*$34 billion in total new wages would flow into the economy;
*900,000 jobs would be lifted above the poverty wage for a family of four ($10.22/hr); and
*Between 1.8 million and 3 million dependent children would share in these benefits.
*The economic impact on individuals would be about four times as large as the recent federal minimum wage increase, and allow nearly six times more in new wages to flow into the economy.
*Hey, that means less for us, and more for the unwashed masses…..I sure hope we can convince these two to vote in our best interest, and screw those working stiffs.
*I think I’ll head down to Florida in the corporate jet this weekend. I need to get away… Maybe a few rounds of golf…

That’s what their minds are saying, but what are their mouths saying? To answer that question click HERE and read the column entitled MYTHS. That should give you a pretty good idea.

And while it’s good news that Senator Begich is strongly in support of the Employee Free Choice Act, we may have another unforeseen opportunity. It’s possible that Lisa Murkowski will throw her support behind it as well, as she gets in touch with her inner centrist.

So, if you’re an Alaskan who is interested in nudging her politely and enthusiastically in that direction, please contact her by clicking HERE. And if you’re in one of the other 49 states, find out where your representatives stand and nudge where needed.