IN THE MAIL: Pro-union law would strengthen middle class

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.grandforksherald.com/articles/index.cfm?id=98742§ion=opinion

Kevin Murch, West Fargo, N.D.
Published Saturday, December 27, 2008

WEST FARGO, N.D. — It’s clear that an upcoming fight to let workers keep the right to organize is coming from the chambers of commerce across our great nation and state.

The most disturbing thing about this fight is not that there are opposing views but that the campaign is steeped in outright lies and deception to the general public.

The Employee Free Choice Act is an addition to the National Labor Relations Act from 1935. It will let a majority of workers sign an authorization petition, developed by the government, to form a union and still have a right to an election, if the workers so choose.

Corporate interests from across the country are amassing their financial resources in order to demonize majority rule, which is the foundation of our country. The majority decides what happens: That is democracy of the people, by the people and for the people, not of, by and for corporate interests.

American workers today want to be part of a movement — the union movement — that boosts hourly pay by an average of 30 percent and fights for health insurance and good pensions.

Economic recovery can be achieved only through a strengthened middle class, which unions helped establish in the 20th century and continue to fight for today.

Let’s not be buffaloed once again into believing that corporations are looking out for our best interests.

By encouraging the support for the Employee Free Choice Act, we can send a signal to corporate America’s CEOs that normal, everyday workers built the houses they live in, and it is time for our due recognition through unions of our own choice.

Kevin Murch

[47of74]

1. We just had a LTTE today from the local chamber

We just had a letter to the editor today from our local chamber of commerce boasting of Iowa's right to work law and how they saw it as really important to keep it around. Seeing this post on DU makes me wonder about the timing of all this all of a sudden.

[David Dunham]

2. Sadly, the Repugs will be able to filibuster this bill to death. Some Dems will join them too

[pleah]

3. K&R I support the

Employee Free Choice Act.