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July 21, 2008
U.S. Chamber Launches Workforce Freedom Initiative to Counter Union Agenda
Senate is focal point for eliminating workers’ secret ballots on unionization
WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s President and CEO Tom Donohue today launched the Workforce Freedom Initiative, a national grassroots advocacy program to stop organized labor’s anti-growth agenda, in a speech to the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce outside the Twin Cities. The announcement coincided with a U.S. Senate hearing on proposals to deprive workers of the protection of a secret ballot vote in union certification elections.
“Card Check would take away the protection of a private ballot, giving union organizers free rein to publicly pressure workers into signing cards stating support for a union,” Donohue said. “This is un-American!”
The launch of the Workforce Freedom Initiative caps a six-month drive by the Chamber to build and energize a national grassroots network to block the Employee Free Choice Act, also known as “Card Check.” This legislation would allow unions to force workers to say publicly whether they want a union or not, essentially abolishing secret ballot elections in unionization drives.
“We proudly work with unions on issues we believe help us advance our vision for growing our economy and creating jobs,” Donohue said. “But we are concerned about some labor activists who want to radically re-write U.S. labor laws and turn back the clock on our economy.”
The Card Check bill is the top priority for organized labor, despite a nationwide U.S. Chamber survey finding that 85% of American voters – Democrats as well as Republicans – opposed the elimination of secret ballots in union elections.
The U.S. Chamber’s Workforce Freedom Initiative will also address other aspects of the unions’ anti-growth agenda, including increased workplace regulations and new paid leave requirements on employers. The nationwide, multimillion-dollar effort will galvanize small business owners, workers, community leaders, and citizens to preserve the rights and freedoms of Americans in the workplace.
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