Letter to the Editor: Representative Tim Holden (D - PA) backs workers

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.pennlive.com/letters/patriotnews/index.ssf?/base/news/118073493989880.xml&coll=1

Holden backs workers
Monday, June 04, 2007

Jerry Shenk's letter (May 13) attacks Rep. Tim Holden for his support of the Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA).The act is making its way through the U.S. Senate.

Mr. Shenk only parrots the Republican/anti-union employer misinformation claims that the act will eliminate secret ballot votes in union representation elections. No matter how hard opponents of the EFCA try or how many times they read the legislation, they will never find anywhere in the bill anything that bans workers from voting on whether they want to join a union.

The bill allows workers to choose union representation by signing authorization cards, but if the workers want an election, they can have one. It also provides mediation and arbitration for first contract disputes and establishes stronger penalties for violations of workers rights by aggressive antiunion employers.

Congressman Holden is to be commended for standing up for workers rights and trying to help recreate a middle class in America, by supporting legislation that will help secure jobs with living wages in this country.

-- JAMES M. ROBERTS, Pennsylvania Alliance for Retired Americans Harrisburg