Where the candidates stand on

OUR ISSUES

Barack Obama opposes efforts to undermine the Fair Labor Standards Act, which ensures overtime pay.

Overtime pay

John McCain voted against an amendment to guarantee our right to overtime pay. In April 2004 the Bush administration issued final overtime eligibility regulations that threaten the overtime pay rights of 6 million workers. (S. 1637, Vote 79, 5/4/04) Legislators who support working families tried to overturn Bush's unfair rules; McCain backed Bush and voted against them – and against us.

Barack Obama proposes a public health plan nationwide for the uninsured, self-employed and small businesses, giving them access to benefits similar to those available to members of Congress.

Health care

John McCain will make health care premiums part of taxable income, essentially creating a new tax for working families. For the typical UAW member that will cost an extra $2,800 a year.

Barack Obama opposes privatizing Social Security. He worked to lower prescription drug prices for seniors and proposes eliminating income taxes for seniors earning less than $50,000.

Retirement security

John McCain campaigned for Bush's 2006 Social Security Privatization Plan, and told the Wall Street Journal he still backs a system of private retirement accounts.

Barack Obama co-sponsored the Employee Free Choice Act and refuses to cross picket lines.

Collective bargaining

John McCain voted against the Employee Free Choice Act and voted to allow employers to hire permanent replacements during a strike. During the TV writers strike earlier this year, McCain crossed the picket line to appear on "The Tonight Show With Jay Leno."

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