Joe Sestak on EFCA Senate compromise

By JOE SESTAK FOR CONGRESS

A statement from Joe Sestak on a compromise removing majority sign up from the Senate Employee Free Choice Act:

“As an original co-sponsor of the Employee Free Choice Act, I strongly support the legislation as it was originally written. Last year I also co-sponsored and voted for the legislation, because American families are hurting. Here are the facts: President George W. Bush’s own National Labor Relations Board found that 50% of employers illegally threatened to close the office or plant when workers tried to organize, and 32% fired workers who were actively supporting unionization. In addition, 40% of the time when a vote to unionize is successful, a contract is never achieved between the employer and workers.

Arlen Specter, however, announced that he not only opposed Employee Free Choice, but would prevent it from coming to a fair up-or-down vote. Arlen will have to explain to working families across Pennsylvania why he took the side of every Senate Republican to oppose this legislation as originally written.

However, I have consistently stated that I would support a compromise if the unions agreed. If fact, I met with union leaders several months ago on legislation for their consideration regarding a possible compromise. If such an agreement will prevent Arlen Specter from blocking labor law reform, and the unions are happy with it, then I can support it.”

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