02/08/2007 - 60 Million U.S. Workers Would Join A Union If They Could

Unfortunately, when workers try to form a union to have a voice on their job they are frequently intimidated, harassed or retaliated against by the employer.

I know that you are aware of this grim reality. You face these obstacles everyday as you try to organize more members into the Teamsters Union. The reality is that we must change our labor law to provide a level playing field for workers.

That is exactly what the Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA) would do. I am writing you today to ask that you join a union-wide effort to help promote and pass this important legislation.

The Employee Free Choice Act is supported by members of both parties in congress. The Employee Free Act would:

1. Establish stronger penalties for violation of employee rights when workers seek to form a union and during first-contract negotiations.
2. Provide mediation and arbitration for first-contract disputes.
3. Allow employees to form unions by signing cards authorizing union representation.

The Teamsters Union will be working very hard on Capitol Hill over the next few months to educate members of congress on the need for this important legislation. We can not do it alone though. I need you to do the following:

• Call your member of Congress and ask that they co-sponsor the Employee Free Choice Act.
• Schedule and appointment to meet with your member of Congress during the February Congressional recess scheduled for February 19-23rd. It is important that whenever possible you include a worker in the meeting who has run intoproblems while trying to join a union, perhaps a worker who was fired or otherwise harmed by an employer tactic. After the meeting please fill out and return the attached “District Meeting Report”.
• Fill out and return the attached “Information Request” providing information that may be useful in lobbying on Capitol Hill.
• Use the attached talking points to discuss EFCA at your next membership meeting.
• Post the attached flyer in your Local Union and ask that every steward or worksite coordinator post or distribute the flyer in their workplace.
• Talk to your fellow labor unions and other community allies about the importance of this legislation.

We must all work together to pass EFCA. We have many obstacles to passing this legislation, including a threatened Senate filibuster and a Presidential veto. We have never let obstacles stop us before and we will not now.

Thank you in advance for helping us pass EFCA.