Cutting through the myths and explaining the importance of workers’ freedom to form unions and bargain, Mark Ayers, president of the AFL-CIO Building and Construction Trades Department (BCTD), makes the case for the Employee Free Choice Act in the upcoming issue of The Voice, the magazine of the Construction Users Roundtable (CURT). 

In an op-ed aimed at leaders in the construction industry, Ayers says much of the controversy around the legislation is based on “outlandish claims” by opponents who hope to keep workers from bargaining for a better life. Indeed, Ayers says, the freedom of workers to form unions and bargain is a tool to strengthen the economy. 

Ayers says that when it comes to wages, health care benefits and training of workers, unions help level the playing field and improve economic performance among employers: 

The Employee Free Choice Act is a win-win for America and American businesses. Unions are an essential part of a strong democracy, and they play a crucial role in our public and community life. Unions also make workplaces safer and more productive, and they work to raise professional standards.

Despite a disinformation campaign by big corporations, Ayers says, many business owners and entrepreneurs across the country support of the Employee Free Choice Act, knowing that workers with economic security and purchasing power will help rebuild the economy: 

We applaud the tens of thousands of responsible employers from our industry who have gone on record in support of the Employee Free Choice Act. They understand the value of widespread, shared prosperity in creating sustained economic growth in America. To them, the passage of the Employee Free Choice Act would be a welcome occasion.

Read the whole thing here.

Guess who’s joining the campaign for the Employee Free Choice Act in Maine?

It’s state Rep. Jim Campbell, a Republican who is defying the expectations of pundits and corporate shills by supporting workers’ freedom to form unions and bargain. He has appeared at public events around the state and written in local news outlets to show his support for the Employee Free Choice Act. 

Here’s what Campbell says about the need to pass the Employee Free Choice Act and its importance to rebuilding the economy: 

Common-sense solutions should be used to create good jobs that can support a family and put money back into our economy. Historically, no institution has been as effective at improving the quality of life for working families as membership in a union. Union members earn better wages, have better health care coverage and can count on a more secure retirement than nonunion workers.

Arkansas union members rally for Employee Free Choice.

While Campbell joins the grassroots campaign in Maine, union members and allies across the country have been busy during this week’s congressional recess. Here are some highlights from the fight for Employee Free Choice: 

• In Minnesota this week, Sen.  Al Franken, who supports the Employee Free Choice Act, thanked his “brothers and sisters” in the union movement who worked hard during his campaign. He said his own union membership helped him to get health care. Congratulations again to Minnesota’s newest pro-worker senator, who will be a valuable voice in Washington.
• In Louisiana, union members, faith leaders and other supporters of the freedom to form unions are kicking off a petition drive and a new round of visits to the offices of their U.S. senators.
• Members of the Plumbers and Pipefitters (UA) in Virginia are holding working lunches to write letters to their senators supporting Employee Free Choice. Union members also are holding working lunches in Wisconsin.
• In Arkansas, union members and allies are getting ready for a major push on the Employee Free Choice Act over the next week that will include rallies and town hall meetings.  They continue to deliver thousands of handwritten letters to their senators.
• In Colorado, union members are remembering the past by honoring the miners of Ludlow and looking to the future by gathering local support for the Employee Free Choice Act from workers and small business leaders.