In today's global economy is the right to associate and debate freely with your co-workers no longer appropriate? Should Congress retire and rescind the 71-year old labor laws that helped Americans join together to establish a 40 hour work week, equitable pay, and help create the strongest economy the world has ever seen?
In my opinion, Capitalism is the best economic system, but requires a framework of laws and enforcement to prevent abuse by those in power. Currently, executives at large corporations are ripping off the owners (shareholders), as well as employees (who are often shareholders). Executives are receiving unprecedented salaries and guaranteed serverance packages, while sending some of our Nation's most prized jobs overseas. We are giving huge tax breaks to these corporations and increasing taxes for the middle-class, even while our sons and daughters fight and die to protect corporate interests at America's expense.
I think that it is high time for the middle-class to stand up for themselves by supporting the bi-partisan Employee Free Choice Act. This law will add enforcement to the National Labor Relation Act. It doesn't force anyone to join a union, but will allow employees to discuss work place issues and democratically choose to organize if left with no alternatives. If employees had a voice, they wouldn't allow Executives to send jobs that are critical to our nation's defense to unstable countries with poor human rights. They would keep companies from acting in unethical and unpatriotic ways. It is employees that run our companies' operations, and if they had a say they wouldn't let companies destroy the environment in our own communities. I think employees would act conscientiously and would compare each other's notes on questionable practices, and this would prevent executives from trying to sneak something past all of us.
But how can we stop anything or even call attention to problems when the laws that protect us are routinely ignored? We have to pass the Employee Free Choice Act, even if we believe that we never will want to join a union ourselves. Unions are like democracy, they aren't always perfect, but being able to join together for the common good is a strong safety net.
I learned first hand how companies ignore labor laws. I tried encouraging discussion about workplace conditions at my employer and saw the abusive tactics they use to scare supporters away. I resigned rather than continue to help move good U.S. jobs overseas. So, I suggest a new approach to strengthen labor rights - Capitalism and individual action. The established unions have not done a good job of increasing membership and protecting the right to organize. Socialism has failed. Having only a small percentage of workers with the benefits of unions creates an inequitity between workers; Those with strong protection, and those with no protection. Without a critical mass of well paid U.S. employees in all sectors of the economy, the social contract for the middle class will fail for everyone. The American dream is to work hard and be rewarded for your effort. But this cannot occur when executives take advantage of the lack of enforcement of the laws that protect America and our economy. Those companies that play by the rules are also put at an economic disadvantage against their scofflaw competitors.
My plan is to provide a financial incentive to fight for your democratic rights. Non-profits, politicians, and unions haven't been able to protect American jobs; I think that a profit incentive will work.
Please support the bipartisan Employee Free Choice Act!
Protest Kentucky River decision at NLRB
Sorry, Spam follows, but the ends are good and this isn't completely self-serving. Nonetheless, you may want to stop reading here if all spam offends you.
I would like you to sell Liberty cookies and "Stars and Stripes Forever" magnets and use your profits to support your favorite organization. Maybe that organization is a non-profit or educational group, maybe it's a fledgling employee discussion group or even an existing union. It doesn't matter who you support as long as you help encourage freedom and democracy with active participation by your friends, neighbors, and co-workers (be cautious discussing in the workplace). In addition, Liberty Cookies Inc., will donate a portion of their profits to pro-democracy and educational groups such as the League of Women Voters, Public Broadcasting Corporation, and National Public Radio. We feel that it is in our best interest for our customers to be informed and active citizens. Buy cookies and magnets today and show that all of us are stronger than any of us!
Again, my apologies for the Spam, but as I said, I believe capitalism will succeed where non-profits and political parties have failed
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Please support the bipartisan Employee Free Choice Act!
Protest Kentucky River decision at NLRB