For Immediate Release: March 1, 2007

Rep. Sutton Leads Floor Debate and Helps Pass Legislation that Benefits Working Families

Sutton's first resolution an overwhelming success

Washington, D.C. - U.S. Congresswoman Betty Sutton today played a key role in helping improve the lives of hard working American families by helping pass the Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA), H.R. 800. Sutton was selected by leadership to lead floor debate on the rule to ensure passage of one of the most significant pieces of legislation considered this Congress. Sutton's Resolution passed by 230-195 and the EFCA passed with broad bipartisan support by a vote of 241-185.

"This bill is about fairness for those who make the world turn, who provide for their families, who are good citizens that care about their communities" said Sutton. "The EFCA helps to end years of discrimination against workers who simply wish to be able to bargain for better wages, benefits and working conditions. We have a moral responsibility to stand up for these workers and ensure their fundamental rights are not trampled upon - this bill does just that."

Sutton's House Resolution 203 was critical to pass the EFCA, which helps workers work toward better wages, benefits and working conditions. The bill ensures working families receive their well-earned fair share of our nation's economic growth by supporting the basic right of workers to choose their own representatives, bargain for fair wages and organize themselves freely. Studies show that workers who belong to unions earn 30 percent more than non-union workers and are 63 percent more likely to have employer-provided health care.

The EFCA ensures workers have a free choice and a fair chance to form a union by allowing certification of a union if the majority of workers sign authorizations designating the union as its bargaining representative; provides contract mediation and arbitration; and stronger penalties for violations committed by employers against employees during any period while employees are attempting to organize a union or negotiate a first contract with the employer.

Employers have used the current law to require unions to go through one-sided, time consuming elections to deny workers the right to organize, even after a majority have signed cards expressing their desire to do so. 75 percent of employers hire consultants or union-busters to help them fight union organizing drives and 92 percent of employers force employees to attend mandatory close-door meetings against the union. These practices have resulted in union membership plummeting to a record low 12 percent in 2006, despite the fact that 60 percent of workers say they would join a union if they could.

Current bad employer practices have also hurt hard working Americans' ability to provide for their families as real wages (indexed for inflation) have increased by a paltry 2 percent despite a record 20 percent increase in productivity over the last six years. The EFCA aims to help middle class Americans earn a better living by ensuring their right to an unobstructed process and transparent process to organize freely for better wages, benefits and working conditions.

Contact: Linden Zakula at 202-225-3401 or linden.zakula@mail.house.gov