More Than One Million Urge Congress to Pass Employee Free Choice Act

Thousands Gather to Deliver Signatures in Support of Legislation

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, February 4, 2009

CONTACT:
Josh Goldstein (American Rights at Work), 202-822-2127
Alison Omens (AFL-CIO), 202-341-7263
Noreen Nielsen (Change to Win), 202-721-6047

(WASHINGTON, DC) -- Thousands of workers from across the nation gathered on Capitol Hill today to kick off delivery of 1.5 million signatures in support of the Employee Free Choice Act to members of Congress. Senator Tom Harkin, Congressman George Miller, union members, and progressive organizations joined the workers to showcase the widespread public support for the legislation that will give workers back the freedom to bargain for better wages and benefits.

At the event, five workers shared personal stories about why the Employee Free Choice Act is important to them, and urgently called for the bill's passage:

"The Employee Free Choice Act is the change we need for health care workers and for all workers. I have lived the benefits of union representation and want people like me to have the same opportunity to have a voice at the workplace."
- Asela Espiritu, Registered Nurse

"These big companies have got to stop walking all over us little people." - Theresa Gares, School Bus Driver

"I worked hard every day to help people struggling with addictions get better, but I was fired for speaking out about the changes my coworkers and I needed to support our families and provide the best care for our patients. That shouldn't happen in America." - Theo Jackson, Substance Abuse Case Manager

"The laws are set up for the corporation to win. I was fired seven years ago and because the company stalled their way through court, I still don't have my back pay or a union. Even when corporations lose, they win." - Bill Lawhorn, Forklift Operator

"My company operated just like any does. I think I was fired to send a message to everybody that getting involved in the union is dangerous. That is why passing the Employee Free Choice Act is so important to give working people a free choice to join a union." - Sara Steffens, Journalist

According to recent polling, 73 percent of adults support the Employee Free Choice Act, commonsense legislation that will help level the playing field by making it easier for workers to bargain with their employers for better wages, health care, and job security. The popular measure is also supported by President Obama, Vice President Biden, and a majority of U.S. Senators and Representatives. 

Today's event is part of an ongoing effort by a diverse coalition to build on the growing momentum behind the Employee Free Choice Act. A series of follow-up events in Washington, DC, and throughout the nation are planned to highlight the groundswell of support for the Employee Free Choice Act as a key solution in creating an economy that works for everyone again.