The U.S. House of Representatives voted on March 1 to pass the Employee Free Choice Act (HR800) by a solid 241-185 margin. The widespread illegal and disgraceful conduct of corporations during union organizing drives is such that a total of 13 Republicans were compelled to support this critical legislation. Two Democrats voted against the bill, along with 183 Republicans. Nine House members did not vote. See how your lawmaker voted: go to: clerk.house.gov/evs/2007/roll118.xml
"I want to thank all the UE members who worked hard over the last few days - really years - to help bring this victory home. Let’s not forget that tens of thousands of our fellow workers are fired and harassed by employers each year when they try to form a union. This legislative step starts the ball rolling towards restoring some measure of fairness to the union organizing process, which has been nearly destroyed by illegal corporate conduct. It is nice to see a majority in the House of Representatives finally recognize the urgent need to stop the outlandish violations of labor and human rights visited on working people on a routine basis." commented Bruce Klipple, UE General Secretary-Treasurer.
The next stop for this legislation is the U.S. Senate, where a tough battle is expected. Vice President Cheney recently indicated that he will instruct "President" Bush to veto this bill should it make it to his desk. This important vote is a critical step in the direction of ultimate passage and implementation, after the 2008 elections.
For more information and background on this key issue please refer to the previous Political Action Update messages.