Hold employers accountable

It’s hard to read the paper or turn on the TV without a bombardment of news on corporate bonuses, embezzlement, scandal and oppression of working people. I hate to add to the mix, but here’s one more you probably haven’t heard about: A recent study by Kate Brofenbrenner 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.

Check out the facts. According to the sample study, employers illegally fired workers in 34 percent 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.

What happened to respect for workers’ legal right to organize? Workers aren’t asking for excessive wages and golden parachutes. All we want is to feed our families and provide them with health care and education. All we want is a shot at the middle class.

Luckily, Congress is pushing a bill that will provide real penalties to companies that illegally intimidate or fire workers. The Employee Free Choice Act not only holds corporations accountable for their actions against workers trying to organize, but it also helps workers secure a first contract. It’s about time we heard some good news.

Ernest Cardwell
Camp Springs, Md.