Anishya Sanders and Kenny Tucker didn’t clock in today, but they did put time in with their legislators on Capitol Hill. The Laborer and Teamster shared their experiences with members of Congress to show how the Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA) would help more workers achieve the American Dream.
Both encountered company interference when they united with their co-workers to win improvements such as better wages and health care for themselves and their families.
Laborer Anishya Sanders is a single mother of five. As a traffic control flagger for All Pro in Las Vegas, she helps to make sure motorists can get around construction sites safely. Anishya told Congress members how she led an effort with her co-workers to form a union in Laborers’ Local 702.
But their company refused to respect the workers’ choice and management fired, harassed and intimidated many workers. After her hours were cut, Anishya was evicted from her home and had to send her children away to live with relatives.
Even though she still struggles and fears facing homelessness again in the future, Anishya told lawmakers she was encouraged by their efforts to pass the EFCA.
Kenneth Tucker, a driver at Quickway Carriers in Landover, Maryland, was illegally videotaped and a co-worker was fired because of their union activities.
“It’s frustrating that the system allows employers to prolong the process and find ways to take away workers’ rights,” Tucker said. “Their unlawful acts were committed without fear of punishment or remorse for humanity. I want people to know how these major corporations, especially in the trucking industry, treat essential employees that help them build and maintain their million dollar companies.”
EFCA has strong bipartisan support in Congress and will be voted on in the House tomorrow. The bill would ensure workers like Kenny and Anishya a fair and democratic way to unite on the job so they can work with management to improve the quality of services they deliver to their communities.
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I think Senate Democrats are planning a vote on card check in the summer, but it may take until 2009 to pass.
Posted by Act to Win on March 24, 2008 at 7:46 PM
Posted on March 24, 2008 at 7:46 PM