American Rights at Work

ICED OUT: How Immigration Enforcement Has Interfered with Workers' Rights

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 01:00:00 +0100

When unscrupulous employers fail to uphold labor standards for certain groups of workers, like undocumented immigrants, all U.S. workers suffer the consequences. By driving down labor standards to the lowest common denominator, it becomes harder to enforce laws and standards even for native-born workers.

In this report we focus on the balance between the DOL's need to protect workers' rights and ICE's mandate to enforce immigration laws. We examine how ICE's failure to fully participate in this balancing act has contributed to the creation of perverse incentives against complying with fair wage and hour laws, OSHA requirements, and labor laws that protect collective bargaining rights.

This report includes several case studies that illuminate the multiple ways ICE and the DOL could partner with each other and with other agencies to raise the floor on core labor standards.

� Press release
��Download report (PDF)

Immigration Study Finds Enforcement Has Undermined Workers' Rights

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 01:00:00 +0100

� Labor Groups Issue Blueprint to Restore Balance Between Immigration Enforcement and Labor Rights

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 27, 2009

CONTACT:
Devon Whitham
AFL-CIO
(202) 637-5018

Josh Goldstein
American Rights at Work
(202) 822-2127 x118

Tim Bradley
National Employment Law Project
(314) 440-9936

WASHINGTON, DC—A comprehensive report issued today by the AFL-CIO, American Rights at Work and the National Employment Law Project finds that the federal government’s immigration enforcement in recent years – including a heavy reliance on raids and often inadequately trained enforcement agents – has severely undermined efforts to protect workers’ rights, to the detriment of immigrant and native-born workers alike. Drawing on several case studies from across the country, the report offers an unprecedented analysis of how the division between labor and immigration enforcement has eroded, and a blueprint for how the new administration and federal agencies can restore the balance. The authors, joined by a group of affected immigrant workers, presented their findings and recommendations today at a conference at AFL-CIO headquarters.

“The balance between worksite immigration enforcement and labor standards enforcement must be recalibrated,” argued co-author Rebecca Smith of the National Employment Law Project.� “ICE’s failure to uphold the firewall between enforcement of immigration laws and enforcement of labor laws has undercut both policies. Employers have been encouraged to violate wage and hour laws, OSHA requirements, and labor laws that protect collective bargaining rights.� All workers, both immigrant and native born, are suffering from depressed core labor standards as a result.”

ICED OUT: How Immigration Enforcement Has Interfered with Workers’ Rights builds on a growing body of research that points to a decline in workplace protections – and details how the� dramatic increase in immigration enforcement agents, arrests and prosecutions of immigrants in the U.S. has repeatedly taken precedence over labor law enforcement.� Drawing on case studies from across the country – including California, Texas, Tennessee, Kansas, Iowa, Rhode Island, Florida and Oregon – the report examines a series of alarming incidents between 2005 and 2008 in which Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), a division of the Department of Homeland Security, has: ��

taken enforcement action at the behest of employers, their surrogates, and other police agencies;
conducted immigration-focused surveillance in the midst of labor disputes;
conducted enforcement action with full knowledge of an ongoing labor dispute;
engaged in subterfuge to carry out enforcement actions; and
directly interfered with the administration of justice by arresting workers on the courthouse steps.�

In 2008, the report notes, ICE made 6,287 (5,184 administrative; 1,103 criminal) arrests for immigration offenses at workplaces, and only a small fraction of its arrests (2.1 percent) were of employers or employers’ agents. In August 2009, ICE reported having enrolled 63 agencies and trained 840 officers in a program to assist in identifying undocumented immigrants. However, the GAO recently criticized ICE for inadequate oversight and training under the program, and it has frequently been cited as contributing to racial profiling.

“Focusing on raids and other types of immigration enforcement without regard to enforcement of labor and employment laws does not address what is really sustaining illegal immigration—the virtually unfettered ability of employers to exploit immigrant workers economically,” said Ana Avenda�o of the AFL-CIO organization, a co-author of the report.

In 1998, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the then-named U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS, now ICE) and the U.S. Department of Labor established a firewall between immigration and labor law enforcement, with the purpose of reducing economic incentives for hiring unauthorized workers, limiting abusive treatment of workers, and promoting jobs for legal, authorized U.S. workers.

The MOU provides guidelines for when cooperation between workplace and immigration enforcement agencies is appropriate, and when it is not. For example, when workers complain about wage and hour violations, the MOU stipulates that DOL should not conduct reviews of work authorizations or inquire about the immigration status of complainants.

“Simply put, there needs to be a better balance of communication between immigration and labor agencies, and it starts with heeding the policy that already exists, but is being ignored. There is a serious impact for the economy and for workers – both native and immigrant – when immigration enforcement overshadows the equally important goal of protecting labor rights,” co-author Julie Martinez Ortega of American Rights at Work said.

At today’s conference Josue Diaz, an immigrant worker who was recruited from a day laborer corner in New Orleans to work on reconstruction efforts in Texas after Hurricanes Ike, shared his personal story.� “We were forced to live in tents in an isolated labor camp at an abandoned oil refinery.� We were made to work in toxic conditions without safety equipment.� We were subjected racist and dehumanizing treatment…When we protested the discrimination and illegal treatment, our employer…called local police and ICE.�� We were arrested immediately.� Instead of enforcing our labor rights against the company, the police and ICE tried to turn us into criminals.”

For a full copy of the report, and the authors’ specific recommendations for the Obama administration and several federal agencies on how to restore the proper balance between immigration and labor law enforcement, click here.

Employee Free Choice Act Resources

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 01:00:00 +0100

What's New

� Union Contract Arbitration in the U.S. and Canada: How Arbitration Encourages Contract Settlement (PDF)
� Corporations Frequently and Effectively Use Mediation in Collective Bargaining (PDF)
� The Case for Arbitration in Labor Law Reform (PDF)

Sample Packet

� The Employee Free Choice Act: Creating An Economy that Works for Everyone �
� No Holds Barred: The Intensification of Employer Opposition to Organizing (PDF)
� Why Workers Want Majority Sign-up (PDF)
� The Inadequate Costs of Labor Law Violations (PDF)
� The Case for Arbitration in Labor Law Reform (PDF)

About the Bill

� The Employee Free Choice Act: Creating An Economy that Works for Everyone �
� The Facts Behind the Employee Free Choice Act (Full, Abbrev.)
� The Employee Free Choice Act: Solutions to a Failed Labor Law (PDF)

More Resources:
Why Workers Need the Employee Free Choice Act (PDF)
Bill Summary
Bill Text

Majority Sign-up

Also known as card check; the alternative to NLRB elections.

� Why Workers Want Majority Sign-up (PDF)
� Secret Ballots Aren’t Enough (PDF)
� Half a Million and Counting (PDF)
� Fact Over Fiction: Opposition to Card Check Doesn't Add Up (PDF)

More Resources:
Majority Authorizations and Union Organizing in the Public Sector: A Four-State Perspective (PDF)
2009: A Study of Illinois’ Majority Interest Petition Provision (PDF)
Majority Sign-up Q&A
Free & Fair? How Labor Law Fails U.S. Democratic Election Standards
Neither Free Nor Fair: The Subversion of Democracy Under NLRB Elections

Enforcement & Penalties

� The Inadequate Costs of Labor Law Violations (PDF)
� Out of Control: Employer Misconduct During Union Organizing Far Too Common (PDF)
� No Holds Barred: The Intensification of Employer Opposition to Organizing (Kate Bronfenbrenner)

More Resources:
Why Stronger Penalties Are Needed
Legal But Wrong
Dropping the Ax: Illegal Firings During Union Election Campaigns, 1951-2007 � (CEPR)
Undermining the Right to Organize: Employer Behavior During Union Representation Campaigns
Uneasy Terrain: The Impact of Capital Mobility on Workers, Wages, and Union Organizing (Kate Bronfenbrenner)

Arbitration & Injunctive Relief

More Resources:
Why Mediation & Arbitration Rules Are Needed
The Chilling Effect: Fire One Worker, Send a Powerful Message to the Rest
NLRB's Fired Workers Only Tip of the Iceberg

Economic Impact & Business Support

The Employee Free Choice Act: Ensuring the Economy Works for Everyone Again (PDF)
Prominent Economists' Statement of Support for the Employee Free Choice Act
The Employee Free Choice Act: Good for Small Business (PDF)
Business Scholars for the Employee Free Choice Act

Advertisements & Multimedia

TV Ad: The Right Thing
TV Ad: GREED
TV Ad: The Fabric of America
TV & Print Ad: The Real Secret
TV Ads: Hope & Change, We Don't Ask
TV Ad: The Boardroom
TV Ad: See Saw

Print Ad: Workers Denied Contracts by Their Employers (PDF)
Print Ad: Big Business' Two-Faced Approach to Arbitration (PDF)
Print Ad: Big Business Favors Arbitration (PDF)
Print Ad: An Economic Stimulus Package for America's Working Families (PDF)
Print Ad: Protecting Workers' Freedom to Bargain for Better Wage and Benefits (PDF)
Print Ad: Change America's Working Families Can Believe In (PDF)
Print Ad & Billboards: America's Middle Class Is Falling Apart (PDF)

Online Ad: Big Business' Two-Faced Approach to Arbitration

Video: Martin Sheen, Bradley Whitford and Richard Schiff on the Employee Free Choice Act
Video: Your New Job

Opponents of the Employee Free Choice Act

Exposing the Opposition: The Facts on the Opponents of the Employee Free Choice Act (PDF)
Lies & Distortion on the Secret Ballot (PDF)

The Anti-Union Network:
Center for Union Facts and the Employee Freedom Action Committee
U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the Coalition for a Democratic Workplace

Union Advantage: The Economic Case for Unions

Unions Making a Difference
Family-Friendly Workplaces: Do Unions Make a Difference? (UC Berkeley Labor Center)
How Unions Help All Workers (EPI)
Unions and Upward Mobility for Service-Sector Workers (CEPR)
Unions and Upward Mobility for Women Workers (CEPR)
Unions and Upward Mobility for Young Workers (CEPR)
Unions and Upward Mobility for Latino Workers (CEPR)
Unions and Upward Mobility for African-American Workers (CEPR)
The Union Wage Advantage for Low-Wage Workers (CEPR)

The Benefits of Unions in Arkansas (CEPR) (PDF )
The Benefits of Unions in Colorado (CEPR) (PDF )
The Benefits of Unions in Louisiana (CEPR) (PDF )
The Benefits of Unions in North Dakota (CEPR) (PDF)
The Benefits of Unions in Ohio (CEPR) (PDF)
The Benefits of Unions in Pennsylvania (CEPR) (PDF)�

Polling

Public Opinion Regarding The Employee Free Choice Act, National Survey Results (1/8/09) (PDF)
Results From A Survey Among Voters in Senate Battleground States (11/5/08) (PDF)
The American Dream and the 2008 Election (11/6/08) (PDF)

Faces of the Employee Free Choice Act

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 01:00:00 +0100

� See these workers and their stories
� Take action: Share their stories with Congress

Tell Giumarra to stop the abuse in California's grape fields!

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 15:04:34 +0100

It's hard to imagine this kind of abuse still happens in 2009.� Forcing farmworkers to "race" and see who can pick the most grapes in searing 100-degree heat, and then firing the "losers." Screaming at workers and forcing them to take unpaid "time-outs" if they dare to question supervisors. Insane quotas, giving workers no time for water, shade, or breaks.

But this is standard operating procedure at Giumarra Vineyards Corporation – a leading grape company.� Giumarra's workers urgently need your help to make the abuses stop.

� Demand better of Giumarra: tell them to put an end to worker abuse now! �

Voices Lifted in Support of the Employee Free Choice Act

Wed, 23 Sep 2009 01:00:00 +0100

On September 10th, we brought 300 people who support the Employee Free Choice Act – including small business owners, farmers, clergy, and civil rights leaders – to Washington DC. And we backed them up with events in dozens of cities across the country and thousands of phone calls from online activists.� Here are a few highlights in their own words:

North Carolina delegate: "I'd like to thank you and all of the other organizers and leaders of the Employee Free Choice Act Lobby Day for a great day of action. Meeting other advocates and having an opportunity to state our perspective on a long overdue and critical piece of legislation to our elected representatives was highly motivating."

Maine delegate: "The trip was a great opportunity to not only voice my concern about labor issues, but also to be part of something so large and so important for our country."

Delaware delegate: “My first thoughts were, "What the heck am I here for, and what does it have to do with the services that we provide?" Being first timers, my wife and I really didn't know what to expect. It didn't take very long to find out that the answer was EVERYTHING! – especially recounting the many benefits that the UNION has provided me and my family seen before my birth.”

Wisconsin delegate: “Workers’ rights is such a worthy cause and seeing and meeting so many people rallying for the same thing was beautiful. Hearing all of the stories that were being told by the people from so many different walks of life....I just thank you for the opportunity. It was a real learning experience. I am happy to help in any way that I can in the future.”

Honor the real "Norma Rae"

Fri, 18 Sep 2009 01:00:00 +0100

In 1973, Crystal Lee Sutton couldn't take it anymore. She turned off her machine, climbed onto her work table, wrote the word "UNION" on a big piece of cardboard, and raised it for all to see. Before the police could drag her away, she had brought her textile factory to a standstill – and helped give her coworkers the courage to form a union. Her story became the basis for the Oscar-winning 1979 movie, "Norma Rae."

Ms. Sutton's struggle as a mother of three – earning $2.65 an hour and working in appalling conditions – led her to take a stand and help organize a union in her plant. Like countless workers who try to join a union today, she was met with threats, harassment, and was ultimately fired from her job.

Crystal Lee Sutton – the real "Norma Rae" – passed away just recently.� In her memory, will you send an eCard to Congress asking them to pass the Employee Free Choice Act in 2009?

� Send your card to Congress now.

2009 Awards Celebration

Wed, 16 Sep 2009 15:52:00 +0100

Join us for the fifth annual American Rights at Work Awards Celebration as we honor the recipients of our Eleanor Roosevelt Human Rights Award for championing workers' rights as human rights.

November 18, 2009
National Museum of Women in the Arts
1250 New York Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20005
5:30 p.m. - Reception
7:00 p.m. - Awards Program

� Buy tickets online.
� Download sponsorship information (PDF).

Our emcee this year is Jim Hightower, former Texas Agriculture Commisioner and nationally-renowned commentator, writer, speaker, and author.

This year's honorees include:

John J. Sweeney
For his outstanding lifelong leadership in the labor movement and passionate dedication to broadening support for workers' rights as a founding board member of American Rights at Work.
Business Leaders for a Fair Economy�
For speaking out on the Employee Free Choice Act as sound public policy that benefits both workers and businesses, creating a path to a lasting economic recovery.
Accepting the award: Roger Smith, American Income Life Insurance Company; Darren Horndasch, Wisconsin Vision; Damien Miller, Comet Way; Diana Ortiz, Ortiz Enterprises LLC.
Richard Schiff
For raising awareness of the plight of America's workers through the Faces of the Employee Free Choice Act campaign and promoting meaningful labor law reform.

American Rights at Work Applauds New Labor Movement Leadership at AFL-CIO

Wed, 16 Sep 2009 15:23:29 +0100

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 16, 2009

CONTACT:
Josh Goldstein
American Rights at Work
202-822-2127 x118

A new generation of leadership for America’s labor movement begins today. Following the election of Richard Trumka to succeed John J. Sweeney as President of the AFL-CIO, American Rights at Work leaders released the following statements.

David Bonior, Chair: “In AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka, America's workers have a champion with the expertise, vision, tenacity, and passion to make real change for real men and women. President Trumka, Executive Vice President Arlene Holt-Baker, and Secretary-Treasurer Liz Shuler are the right leaders at the right time. We look forward to working with them to pass the Employee Free Choice Act and on other efforts to make the American Dream a reality for more working people.”

Kimberly Freeman, Acting Executive Director: “We’re excited to work side-by-side with a new, diverse leadership team. The face of the labor movement is changing and I am encouraged by the plans these new labor leaders have to help us make unions more relevant and accessible to today’s modern workforce.”

During his tenure at the AFL-CIO and throughout his entire career, John J. Sweeney has remained dedicated to improving the lives of working Americans. Sweeney helped lay the groundwork for passing what will be the biggest labor law reform in nearly a century through the Employee Free Choice Act. He will continue serving on the Board of Directors of American Rights at Work and investing in a future where workers’ rights are guaranteed and protected in America.

Employee Free Choice Act Coalition Supporters Swarm Capitol Hill

Fri, 11 Sep 2009 13:49:24 +0100

Yesterday’s exciting Employee Free Choice Act Coalition Lobby Day reinforced the crucial role our progressive partners are playing as we work to pass meaningful labor law reform this year. More than 300 small business owners, veterans, farmers, students, faith leaders, civil rights activists, women’s advocates, and environmentalists took to Capitol Hill to tell more than 100 of their Congressional leaders why the Employee Free Choice Act is important to them.

The delegates came from 101 cities in 15 states, and represented more than two dozen organizations.� More than 80 organizations supported the day of action with calls, emails, press releases, and their continued backing of workers, their unions, and the need for labor law reform.

Congressional staff members have heard from labor and business about the Employee Free Choice Act, but they were genuinely surprised to find large groups of constituents from non-labor organizations knocking on their door to remind them why this bill is vital to our economy and to our values as a nation. Our citizen lobbyists pressed them to continue making the Employee Free Choice Act a priority, echoing what they heard from new HELP Committee Chairman Sen. Tom Harkin in the morning.

In all the excitement – and thankfully, lack of rain – we were reminded why so many people from so many walks of life are coming together to lend their voice to this cause. The participants spoke passionately about the role of the Employee Free Choice Act in bringing economic justice to our country and why they were coming to talk about the need for labor law reform.

� See more pictures of the lobby day.
� Watch a video of the lobby day by Sum of Change.

Allies from Around the Country on Capitol Hill for the Employee Free Choice Act

Thu, 10 Sep 2009 11:38:08 +0100

More than 300 activists from 15 states are on Capitol Hill today to tell their elected leaders that workers need and deserve meaningful labor law reform. The diverse group of small business owners, veterans, farmers, students, faith leaders, civil rights activists, women’s advocates, and environmentalists�are uniting�in one voice to remind lawmakers why the Employee Free Choice Act is vital to rebuilding our economy.

� Read more

Hundreds Arrive in Washington for Lobby Day

Thu, 10 Sep 2009 01:00:00 +0100

� Massive Non-Labor Coalition Urges Lawmakers to Support the Employee Free Choice Act

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 10, 2009

CONTACT:
Josh Goldstein
American Rights at Work
202-822-2127 x118

Building on growing momentum, American Rights at Work is spearheading a lobby day for over 300 activists from 15 states, and 101 cities, to tell their elected leaders that workers need and deserve meaningful labor law reform. The diverse group of small business owners, veterans, farmers, students, faith leaders, civil rights activists, women’s advocates, and environmentalists will unite in one voice today to remind lawmakers why the legislation is vital to rebuilding our economy. They neither belong to unions, nor work for the labor movement, but believe wholeheartedly that the Employee Free Choice Act is fundamental to the future of America’s middle class.

“We’re delighted that so many citizens from around the country are converging in our nation’s capital to lobby their elected leaders on an issue they feel very passionately about – passage of the Employee Free Choice Act,” says Kimberly Freeman, Acting Executive Director of American Rights at Work. “Their presence on this vital issue underscores the broad support that exists among the public for meaningful labor law reform.”

At a kick-off event this morning, the various delegations had an opportunity to declare their individual perspectives of support for the legislation and prepare for an intense day of lobbying. The delegations were also treated to an inspiring speech from the new Chairman of the Senate HELP Committee, Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) who channeled President Obama asking the crowd “Can we pass the Employee Free Choice Act this year? Yes We Can!”

Statement on New Senate HELP Committee Chairman Harkin

Wed, 09 Sep 2009 01:00:00 +0100

� Statement by American Rights at Work Acting Executive Director Kimberly Freeman on Senator Harkin�s New Chairmanship

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 9, 2009

CONTACT:
Josh Goldstein
American Rights at Work
202-822-2127 x118

Since joining Congress in 1975, Senator Harkin has been a true friend to working families everywhere. Senator Harkin�s succession as Chairman of the Senate HELP Committee marks a new and promising chapter of his longstanding record of passion, commitment, and leadership on issues important to America�s middle class.

While the void of Senator Kennedy�s presence remains in our thoughts, we are confident that Harkin will be an equally valiant leader. When Senator Kennedy fell ill, it was Senator Harkin who picked up the reigns to continue Kennedy�s legacy and champion the most important labor law reform in decades through the Employee Free Choice Act.

This past Labor Day, President Obama reaffirmed his support for the legislation and Vice President Biden expressed confidence it would pass in 2009. Senator Harkin�s new leadership role is a positive sign of momentum that the bill can and must be enacted this year. With the administration, a majority of the public and Congress behind him, Senator Harkin can continue to fight for legislation like the Employee Free Choice Act and help make an economy that works for everyone again.

###

National Ad Campaign to Begin on Labor Day

Thu, 03 Sep 2009 01:00:00 +0100

� Ads Mark Latest Resurgence of the Campaign for the Employee Free Choice Act

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 3, 2009

CONTACT:
Josh Goldstein
American Rights at Work
202-822-2127 x118

WASHINGTON, DC—Starting this Labor Day, American Rights at Work will launch a new national cable television ad campaign featuring two commercials that continue to make the case for the Employee Free Choice Act. The ads are part of the sustained campaign from a broad coalition of labor and workers’ rights advocates urging lawmakers to enact this critical piece of legislation.

The ads are available here: www.AmericanRightsatWork.org

This latest ad campaign serves as a reminder that as workers celebrate Labor Day, they want policies that restore workplace fairness and strengthen the middle class. The ads, which feature real workers, demonstrate how the Employee Free Choice Act will help level the playing field by making it easier for working women and men to bargain with their employers for better wages, benefits, and working conditions. The bill will also help employees secure a contract in a reasonable period of time, and toughen penalties against employers who break the law.

“This Labor Day should be considered a turning point for a new era for workers’ rights,” says American Rights at Work Acting Executive Director Kimberly Freeman. “We are redoubling our efforts to show how the Employee Free Choice Act will rebuild the economy and restore workers’ rights. As lawmakers return from the August recess, they will be reminded that Americans see the Employee Free Choice Act as fundamental to meaningful labor law reform and creating an economy that works for everyone. We will not let our leaders forget that a majority of the public is counting on them to pass this critical legislation this year.”

With broad support from the White House, Congressional leadership, the majority of our elected officials, as well as 73 percent of adults, now is the time for lawmakers to heed the call for real change and pass the Employee Free Choice Act. This ad campaign will once again make the case for its necessity during these tough economic times.

Below are scripts and video for the two ads which will begin running nationally on Monday, September 7:

“Fabric of America” TV :30

VO: It’s an idea that makes America strong.

It’s a fair day’s pay for a hard day’s work.

It’s health insurance when you’re sick or injured.

It’s job security to provide for your family.

It’s the fabric of a sound economy. It built the middle class.

And it’s what the Employee Free Choice Act is all about…

Letting workers choose to join a union to earn better pay and benefits.

The Employee Free Choice Act.

It's time our economy worked for everyone again.

“We Don’t Ask” TV :30

Worker #1: We’re not CEOs making millions.

Worker #2: We don’t have golden parachutes or option plans.

Worker #3: What we have is our hands, our hearts and our work ethic.

Worker #4: We are America’s workforce.

Worker #5: The men and women who keep our economy going.

Worker #6: All we ask for is a level playing field.

VO: The Employee Free Choice Act will let workers choose to form a union to get better pay, health benefits, and job security.

GRAPHIC: www.FreeChoiceAct.org

VO: The Employee Free Choice Act. It’s time the economy worked for everyone again.

2009 Labor Day List: Responsible Business Practices in a Tough Economy

Wed, 02 Sep 2009 01:00:00 +0100

In the American Rights at Work Education Fund's fifth annual Labor Day List, we recognize successful partnerships between employers and their employees’ labor unions that are working well in an uncertain global economy.

Employers showcased in this year's report walk the walk when it comes to respecting their own workers’ rights, and now they are going a step further by standing up on behalf of all U.S. workers. Every business profiled in this year's report has spoken out on the need for meaningful labor law reform. By supporting the Employee Free Choice Act, legislation making it easier for workers to choose to form a union, a new generation of visionary employers is laying the foundation for the financial well-being of workers and businesses alike.

� View the 2009 Labor Day List.
� Download a PDF of the report.

Visionary Employers Featured in 2009 Labor Day List

Wed, 02 Sep 2009 01:00:00 +0100

� Companies Applauded for Supporting the Employee Free Choice Act

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 2, 2009

CONTACT:
Josh Goldstein
American Rights at Work
202-822-2127 x118

WASHINGTON, DC—Companies across the nation are weathering our economic storm by working closer and harder than ever with their strongest asset – their employees. In observance of Labor Day, the American Rights at Work Education Fund publicizes successful union and management partnerships in its fifth annual Labor Day List: Partnerships that Work. Unique to this year’s report are employers who support the Employee Free Choice Act, legislation that protects workers and enables long-term growth for American businesses.

The companies in the report were selected for their commitment to providing sustainable wages and family-friendly benefits, respecting workers’ decisions to form unions, and speaking out on the need for others to follow suit.

“This year’s Labor Day List employers clearly show that productive labor relations benefit workers, their families, and the company’s bottom line,” says Kimberly Freeman, Acting Executive Director of the American Rights at Work Education Fund. She adds, “Without a doubt, economic success does not have to come at the expense of workers’ rights. That’s why we chose to showcase companies that have demonstrated their unyielding support for the Employee Free Choice Act, which is fundamental to rebuilding our economy and empowering workers to achieve the American Dream.”

While many U.S. companies instinctively put the squeeze on employees as a first response to below standard financial forecasts, one of this year’s honorees, American Income Life Insurance Company , is growing in this economy due to the strong collaboration with its staff. The business model for the Waco, TX based employer of over 3,000 union staff nationwide increases both productivity and profits while furthering the company’s mission of protecting working families with supplemental life insurance.

The longstanding relationship that the family and minority-owned Raymond’s Painting and Decorating, Inc., has with its workers’ union has resulted in a highly-skilled staff capable of meeting project needs for some of Denver’s most notable landmarks. Other business owners featured in the Labor Day List are self-made entrepreneurs who want their workers to share in their company’s success. Print & Copy Center’s commitment to the well-being of its employees is unparalleled, and its owner has spoken numerous times on the need for meaningful labor law reform to ensure all workers have decent opportunities and their rights protected. The Pittsburgh area full-service printer believes it has remained competitive and successful in part due to the incredible training unions provide.

Other employers profiled include Ivory Leathers, Inc. (West Fargo, ND), Morton Williams Supermarkets (New York, NY), McGuire Scenic (Indianapolis, IN), West Sheet Metal Company (Sterling, VA), and Wisconsin Vision, Inc. (New Berlin, WI).

These employers represent a growing community of responsible businesses that play by the rules, and want policies that encourage others to do so as well, so they’re not competing on an unlevel field. According to Freeman, “Measures like the Employee Free Choice Act will give more workers a choice to join unions, giving them the financial means to support the small businesses that help drive the engine of our economy.”

The 2009 Labor Day List: Partnerships that Work is a project of the American Rights at Work Education Fund’s Socially Responsible Business Program. For a complete copy of the report, visit www.americanrightsatwork.org. For interview requests, please contact Josh Goldstein at 202-822-2127 ext. 118, 954-254-4900 (cell), or at jgoldstein@americanrightsatwork.org.