When workers stick together, they are able to make sure they are treated fairly by their employers. In some cases, they form unions so they can collectively bargain for better treatment. This is their right, under the National Labor Relations Act.
This is why President Obama's nomination of Craig Becker to the National Labor Relations Board is so important. The NLRB’s mission is to uphold the laws governing relations between unions and private sector employers. Becker is a good choice for the position. He knows the NLRA inside and out because of his background as a labor lawyer.
Becker had to make a rare appearance for an NLRB nominee yesterday before a Senate panel. Becker said if he is confirmed he has a duty "to implement the intent of Congress as expressed in the law."
Sen. Tom Harkin, D-Iowa, said it’s especially important in a bad economy to appoint someone who will make sure labor laws are enforced.
"When the economy is bad, workers are insecure and more vulnerable to abuse," Harkin said. "It becomes much harder for them to join together to insist on fair treatment. It becomes much riskier to speak out about unsafe working conditions. It becomes an act of real bravery to stand up and say: ‘We deserve to be treated with fairness, decency, and respect.’"
But Republican senators, big businesses and their front groups like the U.S. Chamber of Commerce are fighting tooth and nail to keep Becker from being confirmed. Why? Because of writings Becker published when he was a law professor. The real reason these groups oppose Becker is because they’re afraid he will make companies abide by the rules of the NLRA.
It’s amazing how hard employers will fight to keep workers from exercising their rights. They’ll spend millions to smear anyone who sticks up for workers’ rights. It’s hard to understand how in America, a country founded on the premise of equal rights for all, someone can think it’s a bad thing to stand up for what workers deserve.
Don’t let the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and big businesses call the shots. Tell your senator to confirm Becker. They’re supposed to be representing the people in their states, not the special interests of big business.