The Chamber supports the fundamental right of workers to choose whether they want to join or quit a union under impartial rules. Yet, using unfair tactics, many union leaders seek to turn back the clock and shackle our economy. They want to control the boardrooms of our best companies. They are working to advance an anti-growth, anti-job agenda that includes European-style regulation of America's workplaces.
Union leaders have refined the art of the corporate campaign, which is a concerted attack by a union on a company's reputation, its employees, its customer base, and its ability to conduct routine business. Some unions are exploiting the financial clout of union-controlled pension funds to achieve through the proxy process what they can't achieve at the bargaining table.
Following the elections of 2006, organized labor has unleashed 12 years of pent-up legislative demands to impose new and costly regulations on American workplaces.
Unions' top legislative priority in 2007 was to do away with secret ballot organizing elections and replace them with a card check system that would lead to abuse and intimidation of workers. The Chamber played a key role in blocking this power-grab, and we are activating our financial and grassroots resources to decisively defeat this and other undemocratic bills.
With a concerted strategy of lobbying, legal action, regulatory comment filings, and voter education, the Chamber is determined to expose and deter corporate campaigns, abusive union pension fund tactics, and the long list of bureaucratic rules organized labor wants to impose on employers.
Organized labor is pouring hundreds of millions of dollars into a 2008 campaign to elect a "filibuster-proof Senate" that will rubber-stamp Card Check legislation next year. Your representatives in Congress need to hear your voice, too. Call, write or visit your Senators and Member of Congress, and urge them to oppose Card Check. Tell your friends and neighbors about the issue, and consider writing a letter to your local newspaper.
Friends of the U.S. Chamber is a nationwide grassroots network dedicated to pro-growth policies that can strengthen the American economy. The network was created as part of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's initiative to mobilize constituents to advocate on behalf of pro-business legislation.
Friends of the U.S. Chamber is composed of Americans like you from every walk of life -- small business owners, college students, educators, bankers, retirees, health professionals and others -- all committed to ensuring the strength of our economy and American enterprise.
Join our network and add your voice to the national debate on critical issues that impact you and your community. Use this forum to stay informed -- ensuring our nation's long-term prosperity for generations to come.
