Some 60 million workers say they would join a union if they could - but our labor laws, dating back to the 1930s, are skewed in favor of corporate giants who spend big bucks to harass and intimidate workers. Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia all have these anti-worker laws on the books. In 2004, average pay in so-called "right to work" states was 14.4 percent lower than in states where workers have the freedom to form strong unions. States with these so-called "right to work" for less laws limit workers' rights to collectively bargain contracts (including wages and benefits). In states that have laws restricting workers' rights to form strong unions, many of which are in the South, the average pay for all workers is lower. The ability to form unions corresponds with higher pay for workers. The act would give workers more options in forming unions and level the playing field that's now tilted largely toward the boss.
Improving the wages and working conditions of workers - and in the process, salvaging our shrinking middle class - is a big reason why we in the union movement have fought for the Employee Free Choice Act.
(The full picture of the union difference is here.) The union difference makes a big difference: When comparing wages alone, union workers on average make 30 percent more - that's a median weekly wage of $833 for a union worker compared with $642 for a full-time nonunion worker in 2006. Many employers want it both ways - workers who produce a lot but who are not paid enough for what they do. That's why this column is a call to action: Please take a moment to e-mail your senators and urge them to vote for the Employee Free Choice Act (S.1041) - and if you have a blog or other outlet, getting out the word in the next couple of days is critical.Ĭurrent labor laws make it extremely difficult for America's workers to form unions without harassment and intimidation from their employers. Unlike in the House, where the bill passed with a wide margin in March, the Senate fight will be tough. The Senate began debate on the Employee Free Choice Act this week, with a cloture vote expected any time.