The Employee Free Choice Act is proposed legislation that would ensure that workers have a free choice and a fair chance to organize for better wages and working conditions. The legislation would give workers a fair and direct path to form unions through majority sign-up, help employees secure a contract with their employer in a reasonable period of time, and toughen penalties against employers who violate their workers' rights.

The Employee Free Choice Act will give more workers a chance to get better health care, job security, and benefits—expanding their opportunity to pursue the American Dream. History has shown that when workers have a voice in their workplaces, the middle class is strengthened and our nation prospers. The Employee Free Choice Act will give workers that voice and make the economy work for everyone again.

Why does the Partnership support the Employee Free Choice Act?
The Employee Free Choice Act is a critical avenue for restoring the nation’s middle class, which is vital to our economy and our society. As a mechanism for creating more high-quality, family-sustaining jobs, the Employee Free Choice Act will enable hard-working people to support themselves and their families, and build toward a better life.

As an organization committed to social justice, the Partnership recognizes that supporting workers’ voices on the job supports our communities. Workplace democracy—enabling people to be involved in the decisions that affect their employment, income, safety, and the security of their jobs—encourages participation in democracy at large.

How is the Partnership supporting the Employee Free Choice Act?
The Partnership is supporting efforts at the local and federal levels to dismantle barriers that prevent workers from joining unions, and to create opportunities for living wage jobs and career opportunities.

Our primary role has been in bringing community voices in support of the Employee Free Choice Act to the table. These efforts are culminating in a lobby day for faith and community leaders in Washington, D.C., September 9 and 10, 2009. More than 300 people are expected to attend; of these, 40-50 will be from our Partners, including many of our staff leaders and key allies in our Partners’ communities.

Nearly every one of our Partner groups has been involved in activities supporting EFCA. For example, FRESC: Good Jobs and Strong Communities is participating in a dynamic and broad statewide consortium of supporters in Colorado. Our California groups are coordinating a statewide tele-press conference with the Sierra Club and other major allies. Many of our Partners have recruited high-profile community leaders to write editorials and participate in forums in support of the Employee Free Choice Act.

Other Resources:

The Employee Free Choice Act: Ensuring the Economy Works for Everyone, by Erin Johansson and Julie Martinez Ortega. American Rights at Work, December 2008.

The Facts behind the Employee Free Choice Act, by Julie Martinez Ortega and Erin Johansson. American Rights at Work, December 2008.