Madame Speaker, as an original cosponsor of the Employee Free Choice Act, I rise in strong support of the bill.

Last November, Americans responded to our commitment to change, and voted in the new Democratic majority.  Last month we affirmed that commitment by voting to increase the minimum wage – the first increase in over a decade.  Today, we further that commitment by helping to increase access to health care, better pay, and better retirement benefits for millions of American workers by passing the Employee Free Choice Act.

America’s workforce desperately needs our help.  During this period of so-called economic growth, American workers have seen their incomes flat-line while the salaries of the wealthiest one percent have skyrocketed.  They have seen the costs of basic necessities such as health care, education, transportation, food and housing rise while the number of quality jobs falls.

The Employee Free Choice Act will help narrow this growing income disparity by making it easier for American workers to unionize if they so choose.  Statistics show that unionized workers earn higher wages, have greater access to health care, and receive better retirement benefits.  This bill will level the playing field and help narrow the growing income gap that is plaguing our nation.

The ability of workers to unionize is a fundamental right that must be protected.  While many employers treat their workers fairly, and respect their right to unionize, many more do not.  For far too long, some employers have routinely restricted the rights of workers by threatening, coercing and even firing employees who attempt to form a union.

Opponents of the bill claim that current law adequately protects the rights of workers who want to form a union.  However, any American worker will tell you that it does no such thing. 

Under current law, employers can force employees to attend mandatory, closed-door meetings to listen to anti-union propaganda, while employees are denied the right to rebut. 

Under current law, employers can block the formation of a union by dragging out negotiations indefinitely, while employees are denied the collective representation they voted for.

And, under current law, employers routinely fire workers for merely discussing union activities, and employees are denied their pay while the NLRB takes months to take action.

The truth is that the system is badly broken, and must be repaired.  This bill would begin to fix the system by making it easier for employees to form unions and giving workers a fair seat at the bargaining table by establishing a system of mediation and arbitration. 

Too many employees have been denied their rights for far too long.  It is time that we stand up and protect America’s workers from the abuse, coercion, and intimidation they have endured for generations.  While much work still must be done to protect these workers, the Employee Free Choice Act is a strong step in the right direction.

I urge my colleagues to help America’s workers, and vote yes on H.R. 800.

Pictured above: (center) Congresswoman Capps meets with Central Coast firefighters to discuss emergency preparedness.