Strengthen Workers’ Voices to Improve Our Communities

Statement from Nan Aron, President, Alliance for Justice

March 10, 2009, Washington, DC—"Union members have been a key voice for all Americans on issues like affordable health care, public education, green jobs, and equal opportunity. Restoring the freedom to choose a union is a key to getting America back on track."

Union members support progressive change in higher numbers than those without a voice at work. A leading polling firm, Hart Research, found that union members voted for the change represented by President Obama even if they were voter categories such as white voters, veterans, gun owners, or frequent churchgoers that otherwise voted against change. For example: Obama lost among white men by 16 points. But among white men who belong to a union, he won by 18 points—a difference of 34 points. He lost by 7 points among white women, but won white women in unions by 47 points—a 54 point swing.

The severe drop in unionization—from 1 in 3 workers at its peak in the 1950s to 1 in 12 in today's private sector—has devastated family buying power.  Meanwhile, CEOs, who in 1980 averaged 42 times more in pay than the average worker, now make 344 times more.

The loss of strength for workers has not only contributed to the collapse of our economy, but has weakened families' ability to organize in their communities for much-needed changes that benefit everyone.

Congress should pass the Employee Free Choice Act to help strengthen workers' ability to win justice at work and in our communities.