Burger: Restoring The American Dream For The Workers Of Today, And The Workers Of Tomorrow

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, December 14, 2007

CONTACT:
Greg Denier
Noreen Nielsen
(202) 721-0660

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Change to Win chair Anna Burger released the following statement in response to today’s joint congressional hearing on the recent decisions issued by the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) and their impact on workers’ rights.

“The September rulings issued by the Bush-appointed majority at the National Labor Relations Board are yet another example of the Bush administration’s disdain for the rights of America’s hard working men and women. The sweeping set of decisions issued in September overturned decades of precedent, stripped workers of their most basic rights and protections, and stripped them of the opportunity to achieve the American Dream.

“These decisions are illogical, dishonest and anti-democratic. By narrowly defining broad phrases of the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA), the Bush Labor Board has created a blueprint for eliminating the right for workers to have a voice at work. Moreover, they reward greedy employers for breaking the law while punishing workers for exercising their most basic rights.

“The tragic result of serving corporate interests at the expense of working families is unprecedented income and wealth inequality, stagnant wages and more Americans without health care or retirement security.

“We must return to the original purpose of the NLRA to encourage collective bargaining, promote the economic well-being of working families, and provide for economic growth. It is the only way to restore the American Dream for the workers of today, and the workers of tomorrow.”