Employee Free Choice Act introduced in Congress

Bipartisan majority, President Obama support it

The Employee Free Choice Act, which will restore balance and fairness to the American workplace, was introduced in Congress on March 10.

The legislation will give workers more options about how to form a union, require arbitration for first contracts, and stiffen penalties for employers who violate workers rights. It is supported by a majority of the American people, a majority of both houses of Congress and President Barack Obama.

"The current crisis has shown us the dangers of an economy that leaves working families behind. The people who work in our factories, build our roads and care for our children are the backbone of this great nation. The Employee Free Choice Act will give these hard-working men and women a greater voice in the decisions that affect their families and their futures," said Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, D-Mass., chairman of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, a co-sponsor of the bill in the U.S. Senate.

"Americans' wages have been stagnating or falling for the past decade. For far too long, we have seen corporate CEOs take care of themselves and shareholders at the expense of workers," said Rep. George Miller, D-Calif., chairman of the House Education and Labor Committee, and the lead sponsor of the legislation in the House.

While there is broad public support for changes to make U.S. labor law more balanced for working families, business groups are lobbying hard against the bill. Your support is needed so we ensure a filibuster-proof majority in the Senate. Take some time to look around the UAW's special Web section on the Employee Free Choice Act. Then join the fight for workers' rights by signing our petition, calling your representative and senators, and educating your friends, neighbors and co-workers.