some 57 million—say they would join a union if they had a chance

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.aflcio.org/joinaunion/voiceatwork/efca/

Protecting Workers’ Freedom to Choose


More working people than ever—some 57 million—say they would join a union if they had a chance, according to a survey from Peter D. Hart Research Associates. But employers routinely harass, intimidate and coerce workers who try to exercise their right to form a union at work.

On April 19, 2005, a bipartisan coalition reintroduced into Congress the historic Employee Free Choice Act (S. 842 and H.R. 1696). The act would strengthen protections for workers’ freedom to choose by requiring employers to recognize a union after a majority of workers sign cards authorizing union representation. It also would provide for mediation and arbitration of first-contract disputes and authorize stronger penalties for violation of the law when workers seek to form a union.

Sign the Petition—
Freedom to Form a Union
Tell Congress to restore workers’ freedom to form unions. Please send a message to your U.S. senators and representative urging them to co-sponsor the Employee Free Choice Act.
Learn More | Take Action

[wishlist]

1. Thanks- hopefully Dem Congress can stop erosion of employee rights.

[Fridays Child]

2. I didn't get the survey but they can make that 57,000,001.

[StrongbadTehAwesome]

4. 57,000,002.

Actually, my line of work has faced a lot of union-busting activity...apparently booksellers don't deserve healthcare.

[Heewack]

3. Skepticism

Shouldn't this poll be taken with the same grain of salt that any poll paid for by a group that is looking for a certain answer is taken?

[papau]

5. Peter Hart is both professional and does GOP polls as well - no skepticism is warranted n/t

n/t

[NYC]

6. I signed.

[progressive_realist]

7. All 57 million can.

They are all eligible to join this union:

http://www.iww.org/ or http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IWW

From their FAQ:

#2: Who May Join?

Any wage earner may carry an IWW card. No worker is barred because of race, religion, nationality, sex, or sexual orientation.

It is not, however, an organization for scissor-bills, for cowards, for those who substitute words for action. It does not want people who are content to unquestioningly follow leaders.

The IWW is a union devised by and for workers, the best and most intelligent, and growing numbers of such workers are securing IWW cards. They want to help build the union that will rebuild the world. The IWW needs them and they need the IWW.

Of course, their ideology isn't for the faint of heart... :evilgrin:

It is, without question, the most radical union in existence. Until just a few years ago, it was completely banned in my state (WA). Believe it or not, the newly resurgent "wobblies" are in the process of unionizing Starbucks right now.

If 57 million Americans really want union representation, it can be had.

[The Magistrate]

8. Reform Of The National Labor Relations Board, Sir

Must be a top priority of a Democratic Congress, and a future Democratic Executive. A great deal of company opposition to unions is, put bluntly, illegal under any reasonable reading of the statutes, and ought to result in jail time.

"You'll either be a Union man, or a thug for J. H. Blair."