Report: More unions good for Maine ( and 49 other states)

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.mainebiz.biz/news44185.html

By the mainebiz news staff

Yesterday

A report by the Center for American Progress, a Washington, D.C.-based think tank, is being championed by Maine supporters of the Employee Free Choice Act.

The report, released yesterday, shows that a 5% national increase in unionization rates would boost the U.S. economy by more than $25 billion, with $77 million of that coming annually to Maine, according to a press release from the Service Employees International Union. The report also says more unions would help increase wages for Maine workers.

A group of workers, labor leaders and public officials gathered yesterday in Augusta to encourage Sens. Susan Collins and Olympia Snowe to support the Employee Free Choice Act, federal legislation that would change the way unions are allowed to form. Supporters say the legislation would prevent employer intimidation when workers attempt to join a union, according to the release.