Many, Many Economists: We Like What the Employee Free Choice Act Does

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.seiu.org/2009/02/many-many-economists-we-like-what-the-employee-free-choice-act-does.php

3:41 PM Eastern - February 25, 2009
Many, Many Economists: We Like What the Employee Free Choice Act Does
By Brad Levinson

Today, in a full page ad in the Washington Post, thirty-eight prominent American economists released a statement, entitled "Passage of the Employee Free Choice Act is critical to rebuilding our economy and strengthening our democracy."

The economists - a group that includes two Nobel laureates in economics - argue that one of the main reasons for our economic slump is the "erosion of workers' ability to form unions and bargain collectively," that shifted the wealth of our country from "broadly-shared prosperity" to "growing inequality."

The ad continues:

"A rising tide lifts all boats only when labor and management bargain on relatively equal terms. In recent decades, most bargaining power has resided with management. The current recession will further weaken the ability of workers to bargain individually. More than ever, workers will need to act together."

"The Employee Free Choice Act is not a panacea, but it would restore some balance to our labor markets. As economists, we believe this is a critically important step in rebuilding our economy and strengthening our democracy by enhancing the voice of working people in the workplace."

The letter also overviews the central components of the Employee Free Choice Act, including a) majority signup, b) enforcement of labor laws, and c) discusses how first contract negotiations can be improved.

You can download the full ad here: http://www.scribd.com/doc/12820234/1eb9aba51935a5b82b13m6iixpt