Free Choice Act

More working people than ever—some 57 million—say they would join a union if they had a chance, according to a survey from Peter D. Hart Research Associates. But employers routinely harass, intimidate and coerce workers who try to exercise their right to form a union at work. 

On April 19, 2005, a bipartisan coalition reintroduced into Congress the historic Employee Free Choice Act (S. 842 and H.R. 1696). The act would strengthen protections for workers’ freedom to choose by requiring employers to recognize a union after a majority of workers sign cards authorizing union representation. It also would provide for mediation and arbitration of first-contract disputes and authorize stronger penalties for violation of the law when workers seek to form a union. When workers are allowed to choose a union through a democratic majority verification process (also called “card-check”), they can make their voices heard without having to endure intimidation and harassment from managers during drawn-out National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) election procedures. Research shows the majority verification process helps workers and employers improve their relations and work cooperatively toward mutual goals.

America’s unions are mobilizing to reform the nation’s labor laws. In late September there were 215 representatives from the house and 42 senators who are sponsoring unprecedented legislation to give workers who want to join unions a fair chance to do so.