Florida AFL-CIO - Employee Free Choice Act

Amplifying efforts to have our voices heard!

In exciting news, officers of the Florida AFL-CIO will be touring the state during the next two weeks to talk to reporters about the Employee Free Choice Act and how this bill is going to help turn this country around.  Additionally, we continue to see all of your efforts to spread the word to the media pay off.  This past week, another great letter to the editor by Oliver Winn, Business Agent of UA 295, was published in the Daytona Beach News Journal:

Common sense labor law

For the last 60 years organized labor has been the victim of captive politicians, business leaders and chambers of commerce. When our labor laws were originally passed, they were designed to protect workers from their powerful employers. They did this by encouraging unionization, and punishing employers who interfered with the collective bargaining process.

After World War II the Congress did an about-face and passed the Taft-Hartley Act. This act shifted the focus from protecting workers to protecting big business and owners of companies. This law was an outright deterrent to collective bargaining and was enacted over President Harry Truman's veto.

The kiss of death for unions however was President Ronald Reagan's firing of 11,345 striking air-traffic controllers. This was the rallying cry to employers across the nation, and one they promptly heeded. To this very day employers are still engaging in unfair labor practices when their employees want to be represented by a union. Some of the tactics are firings, one-on-one meetings where the employee is threatened with things such as: we will close the business down, we will cut your wages and benefits, the union is no good, and all they want is your money. The workers are actually interrogated to the point they just give up.

Critics of the Employee Free Choice Act stoke fear that the proposed law would deprive workers of the secret ballot. Not true. The act would not affect the option to hold a secret ballot NLRB election. What it would do is make it the workers' option not the employer.

OLIVER B. WINN, Business Agent
Plumbers & Pipefitters Local Union 295, Daytona Beach

And the ugly (from last week’s Bradenton Herald):

Unions harmful

It is time to make sure Washington rejects the Employee Free Choice Act, which will be tough to do seeing as the unions bribed the new administration with over $200 million. Union membership has taken a nosedive because American corporations treat their workers with respect and in turn the worker strives to make their company the best.

Auto unions are at least 50 percent responsible for the decline of the American car industry. Unions will not even allow management to give higher wages and bonuses to harder working employees as an incentive. In other words, your job is to work at the same pace as the slowest worker or the union will make sure you are punished.

Unions once had a place in America but like Washington, D.C., greed and corruption poisoned every part of them. Ask your representative why he doesn’t have to go by the same rules you and I do, such as health care and pensions.

It is Washington, D.C., and the unions that are destroying the greatest producing country in the world and it’s time to take it back. Businesses know you cannot do that without good people and treat them right.

Tom O’Brien

If you live in Bradenton, please write a letter to the editor TODAY to explain why we need unions and the Employee Free Choice Act!  Send your letter, with your address and contact number, to cwille@bradenton.com.

Keep writing those letters to the editor of other newspapers!!  To find out how to write a letter to the editor of your newspaper, click here.

To contribute to the Media Action Fund, click here.

Labor Leader of the Week: Fred Frost, President of the South Florida AFL-CIO

Frost heads up major push in South Florida to improve life for working families

You may have seen his name a lot in this newsletter, but that is because Fred Frost, President of the South Florida AFL-CIO, has been providing tireless leadership to make sure that the Employee Free Choice Act is passed in Congress.  This includes not only planning and helping execute events, but also marching alongside worker in the streets and on the job to make sure that our voices are heard on this important piece of legislation.

“This issue—The Employee Free Choice Act—has allowed workers in the area to step up to plate more than any other issue I have seen.  It has served as a sort of litmus test when it comes to our politicians.   Our members have been saying to them:  it is not okay to not support this bill,” he said.

Under Frost’s leadership, and due to the many efforts of the South Florida AFL-CIO Political Director Deborah Dion, the unions of the South Florida AFL-CIO have participated in dozens of activities to support the bill.  This includes worksite visits, an academic roundtable, anti-corporate protests and Congressional issue forums to name a few. 

But Frost attributes the volume of activity in South Florida to the local union members, not himself and Dion.  “It is remarkable what our workers have been fighting so hard for—they’re already organized, but they are still fighting for other workers.”

The South Florida AFL-CIO plans not to let up on these efforts until the Employee Free Choice Act is passed by Congress.  Notably, unions in the area will join community allies and elected officials in a huge protest against Wal-Mart on July 1st. 

Much thanks to Brother Frost, Sister Dion and the unions of the South Florida AFL-CIO for all of their hard work!

To watch video of the ABC protest by Miami unions and Fred Frost talking about the Employee Free Choice Act, click here.

Ally of the Week: Rhett Bullard, Vice Chair of the Florida Democratic Party

Bullard urges Democrats to support the Employee Free Choice Act

Rhett Bullard, Vice Chair of the Florida Democratic Party, is a familiar face around Jacksonville union halls and this time he is lending his voice in support of the Employee Free Choice Act.

“This Act is needed because it provides greater protection for workers in the workplace.  In recent years, workers have been squeezed tighter and tighter so employers can reap most of the profits.  It is time to balance the playing field.”

Bullard demonstrated his support by attending the Town Hall Meeting and rally around the Employee Free Choice Act last month.  “Unions have been the backbone of many movements of social change in this country.  My attendance was in honor of all the positive changes that unions have fostered in our country,” he explained. 

Additionally, Bullard urges his fellow Democrats to also support this bill because of the effect that unions have for average working families.  “When unions are in the workplace, it strengthens working families,” he said.

Thanks to Rhett Bullard and the Florida Democratic Party for standing up for working families!

To see video of Rhett Bullard at the Jacksonville rally, click here.

Spreading the Word

Leafleting in Panama City and Orlando educates public on the Employee Free Choice Act

On June 11, 2009, workers leafleted the public in downtown Panama City to spread information about the Employee Free Choice Act.  Tom Owen of AFGE helped explain to the public how this bill will help create an economy that works for everyone.  The workers distributed over 700 fliers and answered questions from people about the bill.

Union members in Panama City believe that educating the public on the benefits of unions is particularly important in the fight to pass the Employee Free Choice Act.  Workers in the area are planning on doing more actions to reach out to those outside of the labor community in the near future.

With a similar goal in mind, CWA, UNITE HERE 362 and Central Florida Jobs with Justice leafleted the Orlando Airport last weekend to educate travelers on the bill.  The group passed out over 1,000 flyers and also collected signatures on form letters in support of the bill, which will be sent to Senators from their home states.

Denise Diaz of Central Florida Jobs with Justice said the event was a huge success in not only reaching the general public, but also reaching people all over the country.  “We talked to tons and tons of people,” she said.  “It was a great opportunity for people to sit down, learn about the bill and then to go home and call their senators.”

Diaz also said that the action was a success because it demonstrated the solidarity between unions and like-minded allies.  “It was nice to see two unions working together with us on this issue.”

Both of these actions demonstrate an important component in the campaign to pass the Employee Free Choice Act.  Increasingly, union members are reaching outside of the labor community to inform the public on this legislation.  In light of some of the misconceptions about the bill, many of which can be credited to a multimillion dollar disinformation campaign by corporations, our goal to pass this Act is certainly enhanced by these efforts.

Victory!

City of Miami Commission supports Employee Free Choice Act in public forum

Thanks to the hard work and dedication of the unions of the South Florida AFL-CIO, last Thursday became the unofficial “Worker’s Day” at the City of Miami Commission hearing.  At the hearing, the Commission heard testimonials from workers who were fired for trying to form a union at their workplace. Over 150 community allies and union members from AFSCME 871, AFSCME 1907, BAC, IATSE 477, IBEW 359, IBT 769, IUOE 487, IUPAT 1175, OPEIU 100, TWU 568, UA 725, UBC and UNITE HERE 355 joined the workers, which included one woman who was fired from a North Miami Beach Wal-Mart because of her support for the union.

In addition to the fired workers, Robert Kuskin of the Association of Carpenter Contractors of Florida spoke passionately at the hearing about why this bill is so important for everyone, even for non-union members.  He pointed out that the Employee Free Choice Act would help rebuild America’s middle class.

George Cerchiai of IATSE 477 was happy that the City of Miami Commission dedicated so much time to such an important issue for Florida’s working families.  “This Commission was one of the first to sign off in support of the Employee Free Choice Act.  And it is because of them that we were able to gain the support of other elected officials,” he said.

In 2007, the Miami Mayor Manny Diaz and the entire Commission passed a resolution supporting the Employee Free Choice Act.  At the hearing this past week, they reaffirmed their commitment by sending a letter to Senator Nelson and the South Florida Congressional members urging them to support the Employee Free Choice Act.

To see pictures from the City of Miami Commission hearing, click here.

Sorry SOS Ballot

Bill fails passage in Missouri

In their campaign to “save” workers’ rights, the corporate front group SOS Ballot has suffered another major setback—this time in Missouri!  The group, which introduced identical legislation in eleven states in an attempt to thwart the Employee Free Choice Act, was unsuccessful in getting a final vote on the bill before the legislative deadline.  This is similar to what happened in the Florida legislature, after the bill (HJR 1013 and SJR 1908) failed to pass before the end of the legislative session.

The threat that this deceptive campaign presents, however, remains in both states.  In Missouri, the bill can be reconsidered starting in January 2010.  Here in Florida, Representative Hasner has promised to introduce the phony legislation again next session.  We are keeping our eyes out for this one, and you should too!

Contracts, contracts, contracts

Why first contract arbitration is so important

The first contract provision of the Employee Free Choice Act is absolutely crucial in ensuring that workers are able to get the contract that they deserve.  Here are some key points to consider when you hear this issue being debated:

• The first contract arbitration in the bill is intended to bring both sides to the table to bargain in good faith
• Currently after a year of opting to unionize, 52% of workers are still without a contract.  After 2 years of unionizing, 37% of workers are still without a contract
• Stalling in contract negotiations is a major way that businesses subvert the current system to prevent workers from collectively bargaining, even after they have opted to form a union
• Companies routinely use arbitration as a legal tool in doing business.  For them to say now that they are against the use of arbitration in business or that it is an extreme measure is disingenuous
• This is an essential component of the bill.  What is the point of going through the fight to form a union if companies are able to still work around providing their employees with a contract?

Ally of the Week: State Representative Audrey Gibson

Rep. Gibson walks the walk for Employee Free Choice

Florida House Representative Audrey Gibson not only talks the talk when it comes to workers’ rights, but she also walks the walk.  At a recent Jacksonville rally in support of the Employee Free Choice Act and protest against the anti-worker group Coalition for a Union-Free Environment (CUE), Rep. Gibson marched alongside workers for nearly a mile to demand that Congress passes legislation to make it easier for workers to form unions and rebuild the middle class.

Rep. Gibson spoke to the crowd, telling them not to give up their fight to achieve justice for workers.  “It’s because of you all that we have many of the rights that we have today,” she said.  “And everyone ought to be thankful to you for that.”

In addition to Rep. Gibson’s support on the federal bill, she was also a vocal opponent in the state legislature against the so-called “secret ballot” resolutions: HJR 1013 and SJR 1908.  In both committee and on the House floor, she doggedly questioned Majority Leader Adam Hasner, author of HJR 1013, on the purpose of the legislation as it pertained to workers’ rights.

“None of my constituents have asked me to save them from union bosses,” she said pointedly of the bills.  “What they have asked me about is health care and safe working conditions.”

Rep. Gibson is a tireless advocate on the behalf of working families in Florida.  We thank for standing up for us in the state legislature and also for lending her voice in support of crucial federal legislation such as the Employee Free Choice Act.

To see Rep. Gibson speak to workers at the Jacksonville rally, click here.

Local Union Spotlight: IUOE 925

Tampa Operating Engineers fight for Employee Free Choice

 

Mike Kell, Business Manager for IUOE 925, knows the difficulties that workers often face when they attempt to form a union.  “Having been an organizer, I have seen firsthand what happens when employees try to organize.  I remember one guy who was fired who had four kids.  That’s the stuff that keeps you up at night,” he said.

 

IUOE 925, which represents over 430 heavy equipment operators in West Central Florida, is pushing for the passage of the Employee Free Choice Act because they know it will improve the process in which unions are formed and protect workers.  The local is educating their membership on the bill, particularly to curb the misconception that it will take away the secret ballot.  Additionally, they are encouraging members to spread the word to friends and neighbors.

 

Kell said the local will continue to keep members abreast of the bill via updates on their website and will keep discussing it at every meeting until it is passed.  “We certainly need it,” he said.  “Big Business would like for us to lose our voice.  But when we get together, we have a powerful voice in our community.” 

 

Much thanks to IUOE 925 for keeping the Employee Free Choice Act at the forefront of discussions with members.  Keep up the good work!

One to Watch: Floridians for Responsible Policy

New anti-worker advocacy group in Florida fighting Employee Free Choice Act

Over the past few weeks we have mentioned a few articles written by business columnist for the Orlando Sentinel, Beth Kassab.  These articles have cited "long-time democrats" who oppose the Employee Free Choice Act.  We also came upon an article in Harper's, which pointed out that Kassab's "source" for the original column, Joe Kefauver, is a former Wal-Mart lobbyist with longstanding ties to Richard Berman.  Berman is one of the chief architects behind the campaign against the Employee Free Choice Act and is connected to a dozen anti-worker corporate front groups who are spending millions to prevent its passage. 

In a blog posting this week, Kassab mentioned that these "prominent local democrats" have formed a new group: Floridians for Responsible Policy.  The group's mission statement:

"Floridians for Responsible Policy (FFRP) is a research and advocacy organization committed to educating the citizens of our state about the impact and/or opportunity of important public policy issues. In particular, FFRP will focus on issues that while extremely significant, have not garnered the appropriate level of public attention or debate. In an open and civil manner, FFRP will seek to facilitate education and outreach to elected officials, opinion leaders and other community stakeholders to elevate these issues in the public discourse..."

Well apparently the group's only issue of concern, or at least the only one on their website, is the Employee Free Choice Act.  This is not surprising considering that Kefauver used to be Vice President of Public Affairs for Wal-Mart and is connected to some of the same corporate front groups as Richard Berman.  Roger Chapin, FFRP's other co-founder, is Vice President of Mears Transportation, a company with its own series of serious anti-worker practices.

FFRP just released a letter that they sent to the Florida Democratic Congressional delegation, urging them to drop their support for the Employee Free Choice Act.

This is just the latest act of desperation by Big Business to derail the Employee Free Choice Act.  And they have their work cut out for them: a majority in the House and Senate, in addition to President Obama, still support legislation that will make it easier for WORKERS to choose whether or not they want to form a union. Sen. Arlen Specter (D- PA), perhaps the key 60th vote to prevent a Senate filibuster, just reiterated at a rally this past weekend that he will continues to work towards passage of the bill.

Kassab talks about growing democratic opposition to the bill, but FFRP is nothing but more of the same coming from Big Business: a campaign of disinformation that aims to preserve a system in which corporations routinely harass and intimidate workers who try to exercise their fundamental right to collectively bargain on the job.

In fact, Central Floridians, including Democrats, have lent their voices loudly in support of the bill.  Workers in the area have written thousands of handwritten letters and made thousands of phone calls to show their support and thank elected officials, particularly Senator Bill Nelson, Congressman Alan Grayson and Congresswoman Suzanne Kosmas, who have signed on as co-sponsors of the bill.  

Don't be fooled by this new group, whose co-founders are emphasizing their membership in the Democratic party to distort the debate surrounding the Employee Free Choice Act.  Unfortunately for them, the labor movement has always been concerned with where elected officials stand on the issues that matter to working families, not party labels.  And as execs for Wal-Mart and Mears Transportation, it looks like these two haven't been with us for a long time.

Please send a letter to the editor of the Orlando Sentinel today (insight@orlandosentinel.com) to expose this group and Beth Kassab's continued promotion of their view as the stance of the Democratic Party on the bill.