Rep. Robert Andrews  (D-NJ), chairman of the House Subcommittee on Health, Employment, Labor, and Pensions, conducted a Hearing today on the Employee Free Choice Act.  Rep. Andrews’ opening remarks may be read HERE. 

Highlights:

Many workers, who support an unsuccessful union campaign are suspended, demoted, or even fired by their employer.  Research has shown that during organizing campaigns, a quarter of employers illegally fire at least one worker for union activity.   Even if workers successfully organize a union under current law, the deck is so heavily stacked against them that the employer can choose to ignore recognition of the union.  While the employer has a choice to ignore the union without recourse, the worker has no choice without the risk of being fired.

Today, we will hear from workers who were intimated, coerced and fired by their employer for exercising their right to choose whether to be represented by a union.  Most employers are not bad actors; however, I do believe the current structure of the representation process perpetuates the ability of a few employers to coerce employees without consequence.

I believe that restoring workers' free choice, through the Employee Free Choice Act, is the only way to ensure that they have the right to bargain for fair wages and benefits.