Legislation

The middle class

Supports

Video Summary

Injustice Facts

Percentage of petitions filed with the NLRB in which the majority of workers indicated they wanted a union before the process began: 91

Percentage of these campaigns where the employees actually gained union representation: 31

Chance that an active union supporter will be illegally fired for union activity during an organizing campaign: 1 in 5

Percentage of employers that force employees to attend mandatory anti-union meetings during a union organizing drive: 92

Percentage of companies that threaten to close the worksite if the union wins the election: 51

Percentage of companies that actually do close after a successful union election: 1

Overview/Summary

Middle Class Position Analysis

The Middle Class Supports.Unions were instrumental in creating the American middle class as we know it, and today they continue to empower millions of Americans to bargain for wages and benefits that are capable of sustaining a middle-class standard of living. Union jobs are significantly more likely to offer dignified wages; sick, family, and vacation leave policies; health care; and retirement plans. In areas where unions represent a high proportion of workers in a particular industry, they can even help to raise industry standards across-the-board, improving wages and job quality even for workers who don't belong.

Yet the system meant to protect the rights of employees to join unions no longer functions. Sluggish and weak enforcement of labor rights permits employers to routinely break the law, harassing and intimidating employees who try to organize. Illegal bribes, threats, and even the firing of union organizers are commonplace. Employees who dare to stand up for their right to join a union can face years of unemployment when they are illegally fired, while employers face virtually no penalty for denying their employees’ basic legal rights. By strengthening penalties and replacing the easily abused mechanism of National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) elections with a streamlined employee sign-up procedure, the Employee Free Choice Act would restore Americans’ ability to choose union representation. In every workplace where a majority of employees want union representation, they could join easily, and begin to bargain for the pay and benefits that would enable them to enter the middle class.