Wednesday afternoon nine ladies of APRI attended the YWCA Women’s Health & Fitness Day. The afternoon included a presentation on women’s health, with an emphasis on the importance of eating healthy foods and visiting the doctor once a year to check blood pressure, glucose and conduct a mammogram.
APRI’s participation illustrates the organization’s willingness and desire to reach out into the community and weigh in on important issues such as women’s health.
“Some people don’t understand that labor folks are part of the community too,” says Mary Montford. “We need to get out there and show the face of labor in a positive way to gain community allies and remake the image of unions.”
APRI plans on participating in more of these workshops in the future so that people can see the positive effect of the labor movement in our communities.
I interviewed Teddy McNeal during our 52nd annual convention on labor’s big legislative priorities, the Employee Free Choice Act and health care reform. “I support the Employee Free Choice Act because workers need a way of being able to say ‘Yes, I want a union,’ without fear of intimidation,” said Teddy. “As a local lodge president I have tried to organize new groups of workers and am very familiar to the pressure that has been applied to individuals who are trying to start that process. If we could eliminate some of that intimidation so people would have the freedom to speak on the job, I think it would be a great start in improving productivity and other aspects on the job.”
Teddy also talked about his own government employee insurance plan and its unique benefits. “I’m subjected to the federal employee benefits plan…so I have the choice to compare what they offer and select the plan that best fits my needs…if my health care choices were available to others, I think the country would be better off.”
Teddy also had a personal health care story to tell. “My mother tried to get medical benefits. She was working part time at a grocery store and had to pay $300-$400 a month to get medical benefits. She wasn’t even making that much and most of her paycheck went to health benefits because she was older and knew she would need health care. Until she was 65 and qualified for Medicare, it was difficult.”
“Some people have to pay lots of money for health care and the insurance doesn’t cover all the needed expenses. Something needs to be done to make it fair…We need to have the same access when it comes to health care.”
There is a strong relationship between our fight to pass the Employee Free Choice Act and the push for health care reform. Bob Riggins, former president of UAW local 5285, understands the importance of passing both bills.
“The Employee Free Choice Act is important because employees don’t have anybody who speaks for them. Employers regularly join the Chamber of Commerce and other organizations to form a voice and determine how business is operated. Employees should have the same right to bargain for wages, benefits and working conditions.”
“Unions can bring a voice and representation to workers. Employees do have the right to organize now, however they are frequently intimidated, coerced, or fired to prevent them from organizing the workplace. These laws need to be changed to give employees a fair chance.”
Riggins also sees the value in passing comprehensive health care reform. “Health care reform is badly needed. We have about 46 million uninsured in America, mostly women and children. It’s a shame that a country as rich as the United States is the only industrialized country in the world with no health care subsidized or run by the government.”
“The correlation is that employees are being short changed. They don’t have the right to organize free of harassment or the right to bargain for better health care. That’s why we need to pass the Employee Free Choice Act and health care reform, and we need to pass them now.”
Earnestine Mitchell, Workers United 565, knows all too well the need for reform
Earnestine Mitchell of Workers United local 565 has a story to tell. With a diabetic son, a granddaughter with cerebral palsy and a daughter-in-law with lupus, this family has experienced first hand the failure of the American health care system to provide for our sick people.
“Because my daughter-in-law has lupus, the doctor advised against having children, but she got pregnant and my granddaughter was born 25 weeks early. She was sent home with an oxygen tank, feeding tube and a heart monitor because the insurance company at that time capped off the amount they would continue paying for her health care.”
“A few years later my daughter-in-law lost her health insurance because her company downsized and stopped paying benefits. She shopped around for insurance they could afford, and when they finally found some, my son couldn’t get it because he was diagnosed with diabetes. He takes two shots a day.”
“The doctor filled out papers so my granddaughter could apply for [supplemental security income to afford] braces for her legs and a wheelchair to go to school, but they have been denied because they say my son and his wife make too much money…my son has been paying taxes for years, and to be turned down is a slap in the face because there are people who are not working and continue having children, and they have Medicaid.”
“My son’s family just found insurance that would cover their pre-existing conditions, but they have to pay a minimum of $1300 a month.”
“I’m all for health care reform, whatever can be done to make it affordable for everybody.” Let’s hope that health care reform is passed so that families like Earnestine’s can find relief.
At last week’s 52nd Annual Convention I had the opportunity to interview some of the delegates on the Employee Free Choice Act, a bill unfortunately overshadowed by the health care debate, but nonetheless a critical priority for labor. Here’s what some of them said:
“I support the Employee Free Choice Act because it’s a good thing for workers,” said Steve Jackson, USW local 1283. “We need unions in the U.S. to help the middle class and poor people. The Employee Free Choice Act will help employees gain more respect in the workplace and better wages so we can take care of our families.”
Latrevia Hairston, Workers United local 2693, said, “Speaking as a person who is in a union, I can say that it gets you better wages, better benefits, better health care, and a voice on the job. I feel that if I have a right to join a union, other people should have that right too no matter where they work.”
Edward Pickard of the UAW was at a plant unionized through card check. “We had 90 people in my plant and 77 turned in a card; within five days we were done. It makes sense because you can’t be harassed when all you have to do is fill out a card.”
So what can we do to ensure that Congress doesn’t forget about the Employee Free Choice Act? “Please call your Senators and legislators and encourage them to vote for the Employee Free Choice Act,” urges J.C. Bullock, ATU local 1528.
Failure to reform health care could doom other reform issues
During last week’s convention, AFSCME’s Jon Bray gave a speech addressing the fundamental question for union workers: Why should health care matter to us? We already have health care.
Well folks, health care should matter to us. As Jon stated, “Over 1.5 million workers in North Carolina do not have health care. Over half, are full-time working adults. For every worker that doesn’t have health care, that drives down our benefits. When we have to compete against companies that pay barely minimum wage and no benefits, it makes it tougher for us.”
Jon’s loudest message was that everyone is responsible for getting involved in the health care debate. “Everybody in this room has a role to play. This fight will come down to the people on the street, working your neighborhoods and shops, talking to people about why we need health care reform. Every day private insurance companies spend $1.4 million to lobby against health care reform. They know that if they kill health care they will kill the entire presidential agenda, which includes the Employee Free Choice Act, immigration reform and a lot of things that will help working families.”
He passed out letters and flyers with the phone number to reach our Representatives in Washington. “We are sending letters every day to Senator Hagan or representatives. Over the last month, NC AFL-CIO has sent 4500 direct letters…We can win this fight through letters, phone calls and direct action.”
Senator Kay Hagan turned up for a surprise speech at the 52nd Annual Convention in Atlantic Beach. The Senator spoke of this administration’s achievements in the past several months, including the Lily Ledbetter Act, SCHIP children’s insurance, and $8.6 billion of stimulus money for North Carolina.
But Senator Hagan didn’t forget about labor’s priorities. “I know that one piece of legislation that is very important to each and every one of you is the Employee Free Choice Act…I’m looking forward to seeing a bill that passes that levels the playing field for workers and ensures that unions can get contracts with their employers.”
She spent the last half of her speech discussing health care reform, including a mention of the 9/11 ground zero workers, and a shocking revelation that in 2008, 4 out of 10 ground zero workers surveyed did not have health insurance. She went on to outline her vision of comprehensive health reform.
“If you have health insurance and you like it, I want to make sure that whatever we do doesn’t interfere with that…but the rising cost of health insurance in our country is simply unsustainable and has put our nation’s economic security at risk, not just in the long term, but in the short term as well. In this past decade, health insurance premiums in North Carolina have increased 98% while wages have increased 18%. That is not economically sustainable.”
“We’ve got to be sure that health care reform provides stability so that they know they can afford their premiums, and security so they know they will have health care available to them. We cannot afford inaction any longer…that’s why I’ve worked so hard with my colleagues on the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions committee to craft a bill that stabilizes costs and expands access to care.”
Senator Hagan clearly understands the priorities of the labor movement and working families.
On Saturday, August 29, 2009, over 1,000 people showed up outside the NC State Capital Building to send a clear message to our Congressional representatives as they head back to Washington: We want health care reform, and we want it now!
The event featured several speakers, including a small business owner, a doctor, a Grammy-winning singer, an uninsured mother struggling to care for a sick child, the Reverend Barber and our own MaryBe McMillan.
Reverend Barber gave a stirring speech, first denouncing those opposed to health reform for claiming that the United States doesn’t have the money to pay for it.
“When our last president led us into an unjust and unnecessary war, they found trillions of dollars, but when it comes to caring for our own people, the voices of greed, selfishness, divisiveness and fear want to tell us the funds are not sufficient. Well you can’t break the bank and rob the bank and then say there is no money in the bank,” said Reverend Barber.
“We are here today because we need a healing in the land. We need those who protect a sick health care system that does not cover everybody to turn from their wicked ways. It is ironic that 74 years ago in this same month of August, President Franklin Roosevelt was fighting to secure Social Security benefits. Even then the forces of greed and selfishness…called it socialism. They said it would break America.”
MaryBe followed Reverend Barber with a reminder of why working families need and deserve health care reform. “Over the past two decades, we’ve worked more and more for less and less. We believe in paying our fare share, but we believe in getting our fair share in return.”
“We work hard, we pay our taxes, and for those of us lucky enough to have health insurance, we pay our premiums, co-pays and deductibles too. You would think that in return we would get quality, affordable health care, but no. If you’re too sick, if you have a pre-existing condition, that’s too bad. The insurance company will deny you coverage.
“We working families have paid our dues, we’ve played by the rules, but the insurance companies have not…That’s why we cannot be silent. We cannot let this debate be defined by fear when the issue is one of fundamental fairness. North Carolinians deserve better and we have to make it clear to Congress that we want better.”
“Stand up, speak out, write letters, make calls, get your friends to do with same. We need to organize like last year, and just like last November, we need to send a message that will leave no doubt as to the choice of the American people. We want health care for everyone and we want it now!”
Yesterday, proponents of health care reform rallied outside the GOP headquarters on Hillsborough St. to repudiate the lies that Michael Steele and Republican allies are spreading about health care. Among the protestors, Bob Clayman had a story to tell.
“I’m a senior citizen recently forced into retirement at age 62, but when my transition plan benefits wear off, my health insurance premiums for myself, my wife and my son, a student at Indiana University, will go up to $14,000 a year. I can’t afford that. And in 2010, my son will age out of his group plan and I don’t know how we will cover him with a pre-existing condition. I badly need health care. The current system isn’t good for my health or my family’s health.”
Another senior citizen, Betty Zimmerman, had another story. “When I retired at 62, I didn’t have any insurance and I paid COBRA using a credit card until I was eligible for Medicare B.” Many senior citizens, whether willingly or forcefully retired before Medicare benefits kick in, are left without insurance at a time when private insurance companies charge exorbitant rates.
Other rally participants were there simply in solidarity with the 47 million Americans without health insurance. Linda Suggs explained, “We need to stop the insurance companies from getting bigger and denying health care to patients. People are under the impression that if they pay their premiums every month, they’ll be covered if they get sick. That’s not always true.”
Apart from a couple of anti-health care hecklers, the event went exactly as planned. Advocates of health reform entered the GOP headquarters to ask Chairman Tom Fetzer to sign a proclamation condemning Michael Steele’s lies. The GOP refused to even admit the group, a sure sign that they are not interested in discussion.
Even with health care at the forefront of debate, as union members we can’t afford to forget about the Employee Free Choice Act. Working men and women are still fired and intimidated every day for exercising their right to form a union, and it is essential that labor reform go hand in hand with health care reform.
Members of APWU and USW 959 in Fayetteville weighed in on the Employee Free Choice Act last week.
Dee Rucker-Ash, Benefits Representative of USW 959 said, “The Employee Free Choice Act gives employees a voice in the workplace and the right to fight for dignity and respect. It also allows them to form a union without harassment and intimidation from companies.”
Robert Jackson, Financial Secretary of local 959 said, “It’s about letting the employees get together and decide if and how to form a union. People’s right to get together and form a union is absolutely pro-American. That is a right that is being taken away.”
Robert Gantt, local 959 Treasurer explained, “The advantage of unions is better wages, benefits, and not worrying about being illegally fired.”
Tony McKinnon, APWU and President of the Greater Sandhills CLC said, “Postal workers have had a union for over 30 years and it has helped level the playing field and give workers a vested interest in the company.”
Keep up the good fight for the Employee Free Choice Act. It’s not over yet.
Last Friday’s rally in front of Rep. Brad Miller’s office demonstrated the lies and distortions that opponents of health care reform are willing to resort to. Here we counter the lies with actual excerpts from H.R. 3200 and the REAL truth about the bill.
On Thursday, representatives from AFSCME, the AFL-CIO of NC, Planned Parenthood Health Systems of NC, NC Fair Share, and NC ACORN delivered over a 1,243 letters and statements from North Carolinians encouraging Senator Hagan to support a public health insurance plan.
Javier Smith, AFSCME, with letters
“Voters want their elected representatives to guarantee quality affordable health care. They want a quality public plan that will provide a real alternative to confusing private plans that profit from denying care and shortchanging coverage. They want everyone to pay their fair share,” said MaryBe McMillan, Secretary-Treasurer of the AFL-CIO of North Carolina. “We applaud Senator Hagan for her work on the Senate proposal and urge her to move forward and vigorously resist any attempt to dilute this bill during the legislative process. As we deliver over 1200 letters from North Carolinians, we call on Congress to act swiftly on health care reform and deliver much needed relief to working families.”
As health care bills move through both houses of Congress, coalition partners of Health Care for America Now in North Carolina have been engaging the public in the debate and the public has responded. People have recognized that fixing our health care system is a key component of fixing our economy and have not hesitated to convey that to Senator Hagan.
“In order to fix the economy we need to fix health care. The way to get affordable, quality health care is through a strong and robust public health insurance option,” said Jonathon Bray, NC State Lead for AFSMCE. “Senator Kay Hagan did the right thing when she voted in favor of health reform in the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions committee. These 1,243 letters show that North Carolinians are counting on Senator Hagan to do the right thing again and vote in favor of real health care reform with a public health insurance option when legislation comes to the Senate floor.”
Patricia Evans Carpenter, a member of ACORN, is one of millions of people across the United States who have been let down by a broken health care system. Patricia suffers from life-threatening respiratory illnesses, including asthma, emphysema and bronchitis. Every day is a struggle, not only to cope with medical problems, but also to pay for the costs of the medication that keeps her alive.
“I support health care reform because of the increase in medication costs. I went from paying $200 out of pocket in February [2009] to $400 in April for prescriptions,” explains Patricia.
“I was on Medicaid, but they dropped me when my disability benefits went up. It’s a struggle because I have a life-threatening illness, and I’ve had to ration medication because of cost,” she says.
According to a recent AFL-CIO health survey, three in four people without health insurance skipped basic services like doctor recommended medical tests and treatments (74%) or visiting a doctor when sick (77%). More than half (55%) did not fill a prescription because of costs. Even among those with insurance at least one in four has skipped the same basic services because of costs.
Patricia’s story is echoed throughout the country as people face a stagnant economy and crippling health costs. “The cost of living and pharmaceutical costs have gone up, but benefits have gone down. It’s stressful to have to pay month to month for all this medication just to stay alive,” says Patricia.
Patricia is part of the fight for comprehensive health care reform. Last week she and fellow North Carolinians spoke out against the insurance monopoly and in favor of a people-over-profits model that includes a public option. Let her serve as an example to all of us. The time to act is now. Call your Congressional Representatives and demand affordable health care for all.
Fred Foster of SEANC worked for the Department of Motor Vehicles for 28 years. When he retired, the cost of his health care benefits went up 60%, making health care often too expensive to take advantage of.
“Costs are out of sight,” said Fred. “I can only afford an employee-child plan and some people can’t even afford that.”
Fred participated in a rally outside the Sheraton hotel last week, which protested a closed-door meeting of health care’s Big Whig insurance companies.
Holding up a sign that proclaimed “People, Not Profits,” Fred said, “I’m out here to make sure that all people – especially state employees – get a fair shake.”
Fred shared a riveting horror story that highlights the problems and twisted ironies in America’s present health care system.
“I heard a woman at a meeting in Hendersonville. She has three kids with cystic fibrosis and another with mental health problems. One child’s medication costs $1100 a month. Their family was refused coverage by Blue Cross Blue Shield, so this woman and her husband have to keep their income low to qualify for Medicaid.”
“This shouldn’t happen in America,” said Fred. “This is a country where everyone should have access to health insurance. Every North Carolinian should be out here to support Bill 3200.”
At last week’s SEANC rally on health care reform, Cheryl Moon stood outside the Sheraton Hotel with a poster of Bob Greczyn, CEO of Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina.
“Bob runs our health care plans. He’s the guy who makes all the money off of sick people,” said Cheryl.
Like many others, Cheryl laments the soaring health care premiums that pay for unnecessary testing and executive paychecks and bonuses, such as Bob’s lucrative $4 million salary. Blue Cross Blue Shield in particular has a strong grip on North Carolina’s health insurance market.
“It’s the monopoly we don’t like,” said Cheryl. The monopoly offers consumers almost no choice in health insurance except to bear the outrageous costs of health care packages. And the greatest irony is that Blue Cross was founded as a nonprofit company to help keep down health care costs for patients. They’ve come a long way since then.
“[SEANC employees] are here to protest the fact that [health insurance executives] make big money off of sick people,” says Cheryl. “They have no heart, really. It’s just greed and we’re tired of it.”
Last week’s SEANC rally at the Sheraton was a protest against efforts to keep the public out of the health care debate. Executives from Blue Cross Blue Shield, GlaxoSmithKline and other McCorporations were in a closed door meeting on health care reform, while North Carolina public employees held vigil outside the hotel.
Among the North Carolinians advocating for comprehensive health care reform was Alice O’Connor, who suffers from multiple sclerosis. Although Alice has health insurance, the co-payments for her frequent hospital visits are unaffordable.
“It took two years of expensive tests to arrive at a diagnosis for MS. My husband and I decided to treat the illness. We have insurance, but the co-payments for my daily injections are so high, they eat away at [my family’s] savings account.”
Alice’s biggest concern is not her own health, but the stability of her family.
“I worry that over the long haul [my medical expenses] will drain our family.”
Alice is one of millions of Americans faced with the difficult choice between battling a disease and maintaining a family. But if people get involved in health care reform, fewer families will be faced with this dilemma.
“Health care reform is important whether or not you have insurance,” says Alice.
The protest outside the Sheraton is just one example of how we can make our voices heard. By contacting our elected officials to demand reform and joining the millions across America who advocate for health care for all, we can be a part of making history.
On Wednesday, over 60 members of SEANC, HCAN, Acorn, NC Justice Center, AFL-CIO and various community groups came out to the Blue Cross Blue Shield headquarters in Chapel Hill to protest the insurance monger’s war against health care reform. The protesters held up signs proclaiming ‘People Before Profits’ and waved at honking cars.
The event featured several speakers, among them Dr. Gustavo Montana, physician at Duke University Hospital for over four decades. Dr. Montana spoke of the change in Blue Cross Blue Shield’s practices over the years. “[When it was founded] the mission of Blue Cross was to help provide health care at low cost. Over the years I’ve seen a drastic change…Blue Cross has acquired a corporate mentality.”
Adam Searing of the North Carolina Health Access Coalition also gave a dynamic speech at the event. Adam has followed the progression of the health care system, in particular Blue Cross Blue Shield, for 12 years. “The CEO of Blue Cross makes 4 million a year, and last year he got a $766,000 bonus…all we got was a 20% increase in health premiums to pay for that bonus.”
The final speaker to wrap up the event was Dane Cope, Executive Director of SEANC, who coordinated the protest. Dan held up a sign with a picture of Bob Greczyn, CEO of Blue Cross Blue Shield, and declared that the millions who support affordable health care reform must no longer be a silent majority. “We need to engage members of Congress and write letters to Bob Greczyn. He is making money on the backs of taxpayers and public employees.”
Dana pointed out a box of letters from Sheryl Moon. She received the statements and collection letters from Blue Cross Blue Shield, denying health insurance coverage to Sheryl’s partner, who was diagnosed with an incurable disease. “Today is the beginning of this war to put an end to Bob Greczyn and his four million dollar salary!” declared Dana Cope.
HCAN members and supporters of health care reform took a bus up to Washington D.C. to meet with Senator Hagan last week. The Senator joked that she felt right at home seeing so many North Carolinian faces in D.C. During her short speech, she addressed the issue of health care reform.
“I think that what you’re here for is the most important thing going on in our country today. The United States needs to figure out a way to bring affordable health care to every American. We need a system in which people will pre-existing conditions are able to qualify for health insurance, or buy a policy that they can afford,” said Senator Hagan.
Hagan is a member of the Health Education Labor and Pensions Committee. As such, she is a critical component to health care reform. “I’ve been working day in and day out to pass comprehensive health care reform,” said Senator Hagan. “We have 10 billion dollars set aside for prevention and wellness. But we in America have to do a better job of taking care of ourselves and passing good habits onto our children, such as eating right, exercising, and not smoking.”
Senator Hagan emphasized the need for workforce coverage and having positions available to treat all the people currently uninsured. She also committed to reducing fraud and abuse in the system.
“I know how important health care reform is to you because just all of you being here speaks volumes,” said Senator Hagan. “I will work for better health coverage, affordability, and accessibility to make sure you get the treatment you need.”
Last week J. David Cox, National Secretary-Treasurer of AFGE, attended the NC AFL-CIO Executive Board meeting. He spoke to me about the Employee Free Choice Act and its significance for AFGE employees.
“The Employee Free Choice Act creates a level playing field for employees. It gives them the right to decide if they want to form a union and eliminates the game that companies and management play when they fight unionization.”
Although AFGE members, as federal employees, will not be affected by the Employee Free Choice Act, they are still investing time and resources in its passage.
“Many of our local members are writing letters to the editor, appearing in rallies and visiting members of Congress over the Employee Free Choice Act. This is an important issue and we support our brothers and sisters in the AFL-CIO.”
David explains that the benefits of passing the Employee Free Choice Act will extend to all employees, public and private. “Any time that people have the right to form or join a union, we all benefit. Public and private sector employees are in the labor market together,” he says.
“Having unions creates better wages and benefits, it services the community, and helps to strengthen the middle class,” he says. “Unions created the middle class, and that is the real American Dream.”
David encourages everyone to get out and support the Employee Free Choice Act. “It’s the right thing to do for the working men and women in this country.”
Larry Murray is the Staff Representative for USW in District 9, serving North and South Carolina locals. He is an active participant in the campaign to pass the Employee Free Choice Act and to reverse myths about union members.
“The Employee Free Choice Act is vitally important because on top of the poor economic situation, the playing field is not level. Companies have an enormous advantage in the current system.”
Larry believes that most people are misinformed about what the Employee Free Choice Act means, especially in regards to the secret ballot. “This legislation is not a major change to what we do today. There will not be a big bad gorilla gang of union bosses watching you vote. Workers will still have the privacy to vote in their own way.”
Larry points out that 80% of North Carolina residents would vote for a union if not for fear of harassment and intimidation. “The intimidation tactics are outlandish,” says Larry. “Management says things like, ‘if you vote for a union, we’ll close the plant’ or they threaten to take away your health care benefits. Sometimes they make nice promises, or maybe even give a small raise in the midst of a union organizing campaign. It’s just a gimmick. People won’t vote for fear of losing their jobs.”
I asked Larry about the USW and their contribution to the EFCA campaign. “Our president Leo Gerard has made it a top priority. Staff members work additional house on top of contract negotiations to make time for the Employee Free Choice Act. We do it with pride.”
Larry hopes that promoting the Employee Free Choice Act will help change the public image of unions. “Union folks have been demonized by the far right,” he says. “But we are a prominent part of communities. We go to church. We coach Pop Warner football. We are not the big gorilla in the room.”
Larry ends on a hopeful message. “I see this country slowly coming around to the fact that working people are America’s backbone. I am optimistic that perceptions will change and we will be able to pass the Employee Free Choice Act.”
Dwaine Atkinson is a retired UAW member and resident of North Carolina for the past 20 years. He is a strong supporter of the Employee Free Choice Act and workers’ right to bargain collectively.
“The Employee Free Choice Act is necessary because the table is tilted too far towards the employer,” Dwaine says. “It should be up to the employee, not the employer, whether to form a union through majority sign-up or secret ballot elections.”
The Employee Free Choice Act doesn’t aim for radical change. The majority sign-up versus secret ballot option has always existed under the current labor laws, and many progressive companies, such as AT&T and Kaiser Permanente, have opted for majority sign-up. As Dwaine points out, the only difference is that under EFCA, the workers choose.
Dwaine believes that the Employee Free Choice Act would not only ensure that workers have a voice on the job, but would also eliminate many problems in the time leading up to union elections.
“Something needs to be done to level the playing field,” says Dwaine. “I believe that the Employee Free Choice Act is that something.”
Linda Suggs, AFT, is passionate about issues affecting American workers, particularly health care reform and the Employee Free Choice Act. She believes both are essential to rebuilding the middle class, and should be passed this year.
“Twenty million Americans are without health insurance, often because they lost their jobs,” says Linda. “Uninsured people need our help, and they need it now.”
“Unemployment checks are not enough to pay for health care premiums, which is why public sector health insurance is important,” explains Linda. “We need quality, affordable health care for all Americans.”
Linda also believes that health care access is closely linked with workers right to choose how to form a union. She supports the Employee Free Choice Act, which would allow workers to decide whether to form a union through majority sign-up or secret ballot.
“The Employee Free Choice Act will rebuild the middle class and the economy,” says Linda. “I believe that North Carolina is due for a union comeback. When the workforce is unionized, workers have an opportunity to bargain for better wages, benefits and working conditions.”
Linda points out that we have a president poised to sign the Employee Free Choice Act into law, if only it gets through Congress. “Our hard work and dedication towards passing this legislation will pay off in the end,” she says.
Jim Moore of AFSCME, is retiree coordinator in North Carolina. At a recent conference for the Alliance of Retired Americans, Jim spoke to us about the Employee Free Choice Act and what it means for workers.
“The Employee Free Choice Act is important because in many companies, management uses awful tactics against their employees. The Act would allow workers the free choice to say ‘Enough is enough,’” says Jim.
Jim’s comment comes at an opportune time, because a recent study by Kate Bronfenbrenner of the Economic Policy Institute reveals that more than ever, Big Business is resorting to coercive and intimidating tactics to deny their employees the right to organize a union.
According to the sample study, employers illegally fired workers in 34% of elections, threatened to close the plant in 57% of elections, and threatened to cut wages and benefits in 47% of elections. Even if employees vote to form a union, 52% of workplaces did not have a first contract a year later, and 37% didn’t have one two years later.
The Employee Free Choice Act not only holds corporations accountable for their actions against workers trying to organize, but also helps workers secure a first contract. The Act provides a level playing field for the workers who keep this country running.
“AFSCME employees across the country are proud of services we provide to communities,” says Jim. “Day in day out our folks build and maintain safe roads. We work in schools and people entrust their kids to us. We keep the wheels turning in this economy.”
Jon Bray is one of several employees of AFSCME hired to mobilize membership around the Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA) and health care reform. Jon’s many tasks include canvassing to educate members on EFCA and attending local meetings to encourage members to become involved.
In his interview, Jon discussed the possible impact of EFCA on the 1.4 million AFSCME employees across the country. “The Employee Free Choice Act doesn’t affect public sector employees directly, but we are seeing that because of the actions against unions in the private sector, public sector unions are hurting too,” explains Jon.
“Our public servants, people who pick up your garbage, guard prisons, and work in local government, are seeing lower wages and benefits as private sector unionization weakens.”
Jon believes that by allowing workers to choose if and how they form unions, EFCA will stop downward pressure on public employees and help to protect jobs and contracts. “AFSCME is committed to the Employee Free Choice Act because our members will see better wages and benefits if there are more unions in the private sector,” says Jon.
One of Jon’s primary tasks is to encourage union members to contact their senators about EFCA and why they should support it. “We need to correct the lies by anti-worker groups and show our elected representatives why we support this bill,” says Jon.
Miriam Thompson, an outspoken, retired UAW member, is also a member of the Alliance of Retired Americans and the labor chair of the local NAACP chapter in Chapel Hill. Miriam is a vocal advocate for the Employee Free Choice Act, a bill that she believes will restore democracy in the American workplace.
“The Employee Free Choice Act shows respect for workers,” says Miriam. “It shows respect for their choice to form a collective body through secret ballot or majority sign-up.”
In her interview, Miriam addressed the issue of North Carolina’s low union density. Many critics of EFCA argue that higher rates of unionization would be detrimental to the state’s economy.
“Unions bring an expertise and stability into the workplace that will help advance North Carolina’s economy,” explains Miriam. “They allow a climate in which employees and management can work together. I see a more stable and reliable workforce as a tool to attract potential employers to North Carolina.”
As a retired UAW member, Miriam also addressed the problems in the auto industry. “In one plant the management tried to get rid of the union and hire unskilled workers. Afterwards, they had higher accident and injury rates, not to mention the atmosphere of intimidation. I don’t think that makes for healthy business practice.”
Miriam expressed her support for the president’s plan for workers. “We have a president who has come on strong to protect workers and to show workers that they are appreciated and respected, because their labor makes the economy and the country move forward.”
Though mainstream America seems to have forgotten it, the labor movement is responsible for many of the benefits we enjoy today. “The Employee Free Choice Act is a continuation of the labor movement’s history of fighting for social justice,” says Miriam.
She adds that people can get involved with this issue by contacting unions in their area or the local NAACP, and also to call their member of Congress to make sure they support this bill.
Jason Rosin, IATSE Business Agent and President of the Southeastern North Carolina CLC, spoke on the Employee Free Choice Act and its importance to North Carolinians.
“The Employee Free Choice Act answers the fundamental questions, ‘Whose choice is it to form a union and how you form a union?’ The answer is, ‘It should be the workers’ choice.’”
Jason pointed out that passing the law would allow workers an easier pathway to organize for better wages, working conditions and pensions, which is good news for workers in North Carolina.
Jason also addressed attacks against the unions involved in the U.S. auto industry. “It’s not the workers’ fault that auto makers chose to make cars that are not competitive in the global market. This issue should be about management’s poor choices, not what workers earn for a fair days work.”
With the Employee Free Choice Act expected to be up for a vote soon, Jason encourages union and non-union members to educate themselves on this issue and to get involved in the fight for workers rights.
“To learn more about EFCA, you can check out employeefreechoiceact.org or contact your friends in the labor movement,” says Jason. “Also, you can search the U.S. House of Representatives’ website for facts on the bill’s provisions, or if you are in southeast North Carolina, you can look me up and I’d be glad to help.”
MaryBe McMillan was the keynote speaker for the APRI Banquet fundraiser. At the event she gave a stirring speech on the Employee Free Choice Act and collective bargaining rights for public employees, and was honored with an award for her service.
In her speech on the Employee Free Choice Act, MaryBe dismantled the falsehoods perpetrated by EFCA opponents; among them, the comparison of a union election with a presidential election.
“A union election is more like a sham election in a dictatorship than a presidential election,” said MaryBe. “Imagine if your boss told you, ‘If you vote for Obama, I’ll close this plant down.’ Imagine him saying, ‘In the weeks leading up to the election, I’ll assign Obama supporters to the hardest tasks at this plant, and I might even fire people to really set an example.’”
MaryBe urged attendees to take immediate action, starting by writing a letter to Senator Hagan using the papers and envelopes on each banquet table. “If you are tired of corporate greed, and sick and tired of being sick and tired, then stand up for workers rights,” said MaryBe.
She also urged union members to leaflet their worksites and talk to co-workers about the Employee Free Choice Act. “Workers need the Employee Free Choice Act, and they need it now.”
In Raleigh, the AFL-CIO, ACORN, AFSCME, HCAN and the NC Justice Center banded together to put on an event to commemorate Obama’s 100th day in office. Since taking the oath on January 19th, Obama has passed progressive policy on women’s pay, health coverage for children, and job creation. He promises to continue the fight for working families by pushing a comprehensive budget plan, reformed health care and the Employee Free Choice Act.
Ajamu Dillahunt, of the NC Justice Center, opened the event by saying, “We are here to celebrate 100 days of making history and making progress, but also to remind everyone that now is the time to identify our accomplishments and to determine what remains to be done.”
Elaine Mejia, of the NC Budget & Tax Center, remarked that she was honored to be with all the participants “who recognize that health care reform, workers rights and responsible fiscal policies are all necessary for progress.”
Our health care speaker was Lynice Williams of Health Care for America Now. She spoke on the need for “quality, affordable coverage so that we are no longer at the mercy of the private sector.”
“Our current health care system is unaffordable for working families,” said Lynice. “We need health care reform and we need it now.”
MaryBe McMillan, Secretary-Treasurer of the NC AFL-CIO, spoke on the Employee Free Choice Act. “Every 23 minutes a worker is fired or discriminated against for exercising his or her right to organize, and our labor laws are helpless to stop it. We urge Congress to pass the Employee Free Choice Act soon. Working people can’t wait any longer.”
Jonathan Bray, an AFSCME organizer, visited Guilford College last weekend to talk to the College Democrats about the Employee Free Choice Act and its relevance to students.
“Unions aren’t just for factory workers anymore,” explained Jon. “People who graduate from college are entering white collar jobs as dentists and psychologists are forming unions too.”
Jon explained that unions hold corporations accountable for environmental and labor violations, and provide job protection in these uncertain times. The response from the students was positive and they expressed interest in helping to advancing the rights of workers.
During the meeting, students and professors wrote letters to Senator Kay Hagan and Representative Miller, urging them to support the Employee Free Choice Act.
“I feel that unions are vital to helping our country in this period of economic crisis,” said Matt Clausen, president of the Guilford College Democrats. “Passing the Employee Free Choice Act will strengthen unions and improve the economy over time.”
Charlotte CLC Speaks Out on Employee Free Choice Act
In a show of solidarity, the Southern Piedmont CLC of Charlotte turned out large numbers last week at the HOPE Coalition meeting. After the meeting, I was able to interview the whole labor council on the Employee Free Choice Act and individual reasons for supporting it.
“Workers want the same rights as CEOs. They all have the right to negotiate a contract, so why can’t we?”
– Pam Foxx, USW
“Every employee should be able to freely choose if they want to bring a union into their workplace.”
– Tracy Nail, UAW
“We should have the right to make constructive decisions about what governs our lives.”
– Shelia Prince, APWU
“We need the Employee Free Choice Act to restore to employees the right to choose a union. Under current law, the employer has that right. This needs to change.”
– Will Cashion, IAM 1725 and president of the Southern Piedmont CLC
“I believe in the Employee Free Choice Act because when power to control the workplace is in the hands of employees, everyone benefits.”
– Laura Owinski, HOPE Coalition
“EFCA levels the playing field and helps protect employees from management intimidation.”
– Ben Lee, BLET
“The Employee Free Choice Act will bring things back to the way they used to be when the middle class was strong and working men and women had a say in what happenedd in their lives.”
–Cindy Foster, APWU
During the Congressional Recess, community and union members held a meeting with Representative Bob Etheridge to talk about the Employee Free Choice Act and other important issues to working people. The group represented a diversity of voices, including the NAACP, the Solidarity Committee, APRI, the Chatham County Commissioner, Alliance of Retired Americans, North Carolina Justice Center, Dr Zonderman of NCSU, and the State Fed officers.
Prior to Rep. Etheridge’s arrival, participants generated 35 phone calls into Senator Hagan’s office and 35 letters to Senator Hagan and other district Representatives urging them to continue support for the Employee Free Choice Act. With the bill up for vote in just a few short weeks, it is critical that working people bump up the efforts to reach out to legislators.
Melvin Montford of the Machinists, spoke to Rep. Etheridge about his experiences with union organizing. “I’ve spoke to people who were afraid to even mention the word union. There is something wrong when a person lives in a free country and is afraid to even say the word ‘union’ for fear of being fired,” said Melvin. “We need the Employee Free Choice Act to level the playing field for these workers.”
Dr. David Zonderman, professor North Carolina State University, gave Rep. Etheridge a historical background on labor history and the need for reform.
“The Employee Free Choice Act simply restores basic rights that workers had under the Wagner Act of 1935,” explained Dr. Zonderman. “The Wagner Act allowed workers to choose if and how to form a union, whether by secret ballot, majority sign-up or a number of other options.
“What has happened over past 70 years is that the process has flipped. The original law changed from a discussion between workers, who actually join the union and pay dues, to an argument between workers and employers. Then the law evolved further, until we arrived at the current union election process, in which the deck is stacked against workers and employers have the right to decide how to conduct an election.”
Rep. Etheridge listened to a variety community voices, and reaffirmed his support for the Act, although he has not signed on as a co-sponsor.
EI met up with Ben Lee, Chairman Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen, when he got off work last Thursday. Even though Ben’s workplace will not be affected by the Employee Free Choice Act because he works with the railroads, he still believes in the importance of this bill for working people.
“The Employee Free Choice Act is a better way of determining whether or not employees want to be unionized,” said Ben. “It streamlines rules, decreases employer intimidation, and is the best method for equitable choice by the employees.”
“Most people, especially in white collar jobs, may not understand the lengths that employers go through to dissuade employees from voting for a union,” explained Ben. He pointed out that if workers want a union, it might indicate that something is wrong at the workplace. Perhaps the employees are “not treated equitably, paid unfairly, or being harassed and discriminated against by their bosses.”
Ben argued that when workers decide to come together and sign on with a labor organization, they need to do it through the free thought process.
“Employers will promise a raise if you vote against the union or tell you that you’ll lose your job if you vote for it,” said Ben. “They will try to belittle the workers. That’s not free choice.”
“Labor organizations came into existence to fulfill a need, and that need is still present in every workplace where employees are mistreated.”
“The Employee Free Choice Act will Benefit North Carolina’s Economy”
Many opponents of the Employee Free Choice Act cite the floundering economy as the main reason not to allow more workers to unionize. Particularly in a low union density state like North Carolina, business interests argue that the Act would destroy our competitive advantage. To get to the bottom of this puzzle, I interviewed John Quinterno of the North Carolina Budget and Tax Center. John directs all research regarding employment and economic issues.
My first question was whether or not passing the Employee Free Choice Act would benefit North Carolina. John answered, “Absolutely.”
“The past 30 years has made it increasingly difficult for workers to choose how to form a union,” John explained. “The weakening of unions makes it harder for employees to ensure that they receive adequate compensation for their work. If the Employee Free Choice Act passes, then North Carolinian worker’s ability to bargain will translate into wage gains for themselves and their families.”
John went on to explain how wage gains can help the economy in a state like North Carolina, with the fourth highest unemployment in the nation. “The higher income levels that result from unionization allow families to spend more. By purchasing products and services, families feed into the productive cycle in which greater spending means higher demand, which translates into more jobs or higher paying jobs, which provides communities with more spending capacity, and the cycle continues.”
My last challenge for John was to address the complaint that passing the Employee Free Choice Act would lead to a massive increase in unionization in North Carolina, with potentially harmful consequences.
“Not so,” explained John. “Passing the Employee Free Choice Act may lead to a moderate increase in the percentage of unionized workforce in North Carolina, but certainly not a radical change. There are other factors at work that impede unions in this state, and those factors may still be at work, even if the Act is passed.”
On Monday, workers from APWU and UFCW turned out for an Employee Free Choice Act event in downtown Fayetteville. They passed out slices of apple pie to people walking by, as well as literature on the Employee Free Choice Act. The purpose of the event was to educate the public about the Employee Free Choice Act, and also to make the connection between current American work laws, such as overtime and paid sick leave, and the union fights to gain those rights.
Tony McKinnon, APWU, explained, “I’m here to support the Employee Free Choice Act, and also here on behalf of the Greater Sandhills CLC. We believe that the Employee Free Choice Act and a workers right to bargain for better wages is as American as apple pie.”
Tony said many people have the wrong idea about unions. “Unions don’t want to destroy a company,” he said. “We want companies to prosper. But we want workers to be able to share in that prosperity.”
He also said many people don’t realize that unions were the driving force behind current business practices, such as the 40-hour work week, pensions, employer-provided health care and other issues.
Orlando Williams, a UFCW member who was part of the infamous Smithfield organizing campaign, said, “I’m here to represent working families in America, and to let people know that the Employee Free Choice Act will benefit workers all over the United States.”
Though a small event, and somewhat hampered by poor weather, two major television crews and two reporters from the Fayetteville Observer turned out for some great interviews. See link to an article here.
Jeanette Perry, USW Local 9465, has worked for Pilkington Glass for 14 years. When she first began working there, the plant was not unionized, and she knew little about unions. Her first exposure to unions occurred when the SteelWorkers tried to organize her plant, and management forced her and her co-workers to sit through mandatory anti-union meetings.
“Management told us that if we voted for a union, we would lose our voice because we wouldn’t be allowed to speak to management without a union representative,” says Jeanette. “They also told us we would lose benefits.”
During the secret ballot election that followed, Jeanette voted against the union, as did the majority of her co-workers, and the plant was not unionized.
Several years later, when the plant changed hands, workers were allowed to form a union through majority sign-up. Some workers and union representatives visited Jeanette at her home and asked if she was willing to sign a card to join the union.
“I told them that I didn’t feel comfortable with the idea of a union, and I refused to sign the card,” says Jeanette. “The union representatives accepted my decision, and I didn’t feel any pressure from them or management during the whole sign-up process.”
Despite Jeanette’s reluctance to form a union, the majority of her co-workers did sign cards and the plant was unionized. As North Carolina is a Right to Work state, Jeanette opted not to join at this time.
A year later, when Jeanette was able to see the positive difference that the union brought to the plant, she decided to join a union, and has been an active member ever since.
“Since we formed a union, workers have a voice at the plant. Our needs are respected and addressed, and communication improved between us and management.”
There is something wrong with the world when workers have to spend 25 years fighting for a voice on the job. But that is exactly what the employees at Pilkington Glass in Laurinburg had to do.
Howard Hall has melted glass at Pilkington for 28 years, and was a major player in the push for representation at the plant. Howard remembers that “there were enough workers who supported a union to be able to win elections, but management always forced us to attend mandatory union-busting meetings, and then people got scared and voted ‘no.’”
Employer intimidation caused multiple failed elections and struck fear into employees who wanted a union, but were afraid to vote for it.
“Management threatened to close down the plant or ship the jobs to another plant,” says Howard. “They told us that we would have to go out on strike if we voted in a union.”
When the company changed hands, the new management allowed workers to form a union through majority sign up. The process was quick and easy. The majority of employees signed cards indicating their support for voice and bargaining power, and a union was formed. Today, employees enjoy a contract and the right to discuss their needs and concerns with management as equals.
“We have more of a voice in a unionized plant because we have representatives who can sit down across the table from management and work things out,” says Howard. “I worked at plants without unions, and whatever the management says, goes. There is an open door policy but no one is listening.”
Mike Gravinese, AFGE Local 3609 member and President of the Triangle Labor Council, is currently working with the North Carolina AFL-CIO on the Employee Free Choice Act. His main duties consist of getting letters and phone calls out to elected officials to demonstrate community and union support for the bill.
“The Employee Free Choice Act is a piece of legislation designed to address excesses with Corporate America,” explains Mike. “Workers are having a tough time and the Employee Free Choice Act allows employees to band together for the common good and bargain for fair wages and benefits.”
Essentially, the Employee Free Choice Act will help restore the balance of power between corporations and workers. “Our opponents have led us down the merry path of corporate excess, greed and financial disaster,” says Mike. “Legislation that levels the playing field is the only answer to restoring the middle class.”
In the interview, Mike addressed the common argument that passing the Employee Free Choice Act will lead to worker intimidation by unions. “Corporations control workers salaries, work hours, and benefits. They have all the power and control,’ explains Mike “All I have is the ability to ask a worker, ‘Do you want to band together for the collective good? Do you want to join a union?’ The idea that I am going to twist arms when I have no real leverage over those workers, unlike the employer, is ridiculous.”
Mike encourages people to call and write letters to their elected officials and ask them to support the Employee Free Choice Act, or thank them if they have already co-sponsored. The more our Congressmen feel that the community supports this bill, the closer we are to returning the strength to America’s working families.
Melvin Montford knows a lot about fighting for decent treatment at the workplace. He and co-workers at the Moncure Plywood plant have been on strike since July, protesting unfair working conditions and pay. With such a background in worker’s rights, Melvin is the perfect candidate to tell the truth about the Employee Free Choice Act.
“I’ve done some union organizing,” says Melvin. “I’ve spoke to people who were afraid to even mention the word union. There is something wrong when a person lives in a free country and is afraid to even say the word ‘union’ for fear of being fired.”
Melvin spoke out against the accusation that the Employee Free Choice Act is Obama’s payoff to unions for helping him in the election. “Unions and working people were pushing for the Employee Free Choice Act long before Obama was on the scene. To claim otherwise is ridiculous.”
During our conversation, Melvin also addressed the issue of union intimidation. When asked whether the passage of the Employee Free Choice Act might lead to greater incidence of union intimidation, he pointed out that workers vote for their union representatives, not their employers. Therefore, an employer has free reign to coerce workers, because they can’t take away his job. On the other hand, a union official who uses coercion to sign cards, will be voted out of office by those same workers. So it doesn’t make sense for union members to coerce their future voters.
Melvin encourages everyone to “talk to their friends, family, churches, and co-workers to explain the difference between the truth about the Employee Free Choice Act and the lies that corporations are putting out. Tell people the truth and then let them make a decision on their own of whether or not to support this act.”
“I also encourage everyone to call their senators and representatives and ask them to co-sponsor the bill.”
Dr. David Zonderman, professor of labor history at North Carolina State University, sat down with us on March 11, 2009 to talk about past labor law and how it helps shape the argument for the Employee Free Choice Act.
“The Employee Free Choice Act simply restores basic rights that workers had under the Wagner Act of 1935,” explains Dr. Zonderman. “The Wagner Act allowed workers to choose if and how to form a union, whether by secret ballot, majority sign-up or a number of other options.
“What has happened over past 70 years is that through court cases and decisions by the National Labor Relations Board, the process has flipped. The original law allowed workers to discuss amongst themselves if and how to form a union, but over time that changed from a discussion between workers, who actually join the union and pay dues, to an argument between workers and employers. Then the law evolved further, until we arrived at the current union election process, in which the deck is stacked against workers and employers have the right to decide how to conduct an election.”
We asked Dr. Zonderman whether changes in the law have led to tense relationships between workers and their employers. He replied, “Absolutely. It’s unfortunate that often the fight over union election can lead to poisoned relations between management and workers. However, the goal of union organizing is to develop a cooperative relationship with the employer. They want to sit across the table as representatives of the workers and discuss how to make the plant more productive and how to compensate workers. No one wins if the employer goes out of business, not the employer and certainly not the workers who lose their jobs.”
Taking into consideration that the United States is going through a recession, as we were when the Wagner Act was passed in the 1930s, Dr. Zonderman refutes the argument that ‘Unions are bad for the economy.’
“Economists under President Roosevelt realized that unions help the country get out of a deep recession by putting a floor under wages. We need to remember that workers are also consumers. Beating down unions, which drives down wages, is actually the worst thing you can do during a recession. We need to pay people a living wage in order for them to spend a living wage to stimulate the economy.”
Betty Zimmerman has worked over 40 years in a union plant and held a variety of titles as an activist in the union movement. Currently retired, she continues to dedicate her time and effort as a volunteer for the rights of workers. Her most recent fight is over the Employee Free Choice Act.
“The Employee Free Choice Act means that employees will finally have the opportunity to decide if they want a union through card check or secret ballot election,” says Betty. “It doesn’t mean doing away with the secret ballot. That decision is up to the employees.”
Having lived her life in the South, Betty appreciates what unions do for workers. “In the South, the only way to make good wages is to join a union,” she says. “My kids would not have had the opportunities for higher education if it were not for good union wages.”
In today’s economy, good union wages are more critical than ever, as families need steady income to be able to buy products to jumpstart the economy.
Betty, who refers to herself as a “professional volunteer,” works with CLCs and the North Carolina AFL-CIO on leafleting, door to door contact, and phone calls to people, educating them on the Employee Free Choice Act and what it will mean for working Americans.
“People need to know about Employee Free Choice,” says Betty. “This is an important bill and we need to make an educated decision about it.”
