Labor Day

Remember that this day used to be observed by honoring organized labor? Let's bring back that focus. Here's part of an email I got today:

Today is Labor Day, a holiday that came out of the labor movement as a way to celebrate the contributions of American workers. But today also reminds me that another year has gone by as our government refuses to pass the Employee Free Choice Act, a bill that would give back the rights that America's workers are too often denied.

Honor American workers on Labor Day by supporting the Employee Free Choice Act >>

Employers routinely harass, coerce, intimidate and even fire workers when they try to exercise their legal rights to form unions. As the law currently stands, union elections are prone to delay and often favor employers in their fights against workers' unions.

The Employee Free Choice Act is a bipartisan legislation that would hold anti-union employers accountable, guarantee workers a fair, simple, direct method for organizing and force employers to stop dragging out contract negotiations.

Workers deserve a free choice and a fair chance to form a union if they want to - without risking their livelihood to do so. It's time to give working families the freedoms and protections they deserve.

I've been a member of three unions during my life: The National Education Association, The American Federation of Teachers and the American Federation of Musicians. And I was subjected to union busting activities by management when I worked for the D.C. Youth Orchestra Program. Let me tell you, that kind of intimidation is not fun or pretty. The Bill of Rights included the right to free assembly. Workers have the right to organize and big business has been undermining that right with impunity ever since Reagan took office. Let's turn that around. Support working people!