Labor Union Blog

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.