Yesterday I was able to meet with members of the United Food and Corporate Workers and answer questions regarding the Employee Free Choice Act that is now being considered in the U.S. Congress. I support this act because it simplifies the process of workers being able to form a union if their majority so chooses.
The amendment to the National Labor Relations Act accomplishes three major things: 1) It eliminates the need for an employer required vote if the majority of workers have already signed cards stating they want to unionize. 2) It requires employers to engage the union and reach a collective agreement within 90 days. If not, the negotiations are referred to mediation, speeding up the process. 3) The amendment increases penalties for employers that subject workers to detriment for participating in a union. I am proud to support this act and the workers’ rights that it protects.
I am also happy to acknowledge the endorsement of the Michigan LBGTA that I received yesterday. Thanks to the hard work of Adam Taylor, the Vice Chair of the Michigan Democratic LBGTA Caucus, we can partner in the fight for civil rights in Michigan. Discrimination is still prominent among employers and this cannot be allowed to continue.
The recent law suit filed by the Thomas More Law Center against the U.S. Attorney General to reject the Matthew Shepard Bill is raising great concern. The precedents set by the Elliott-Larsen Act support the anti-discriminatory legislation passed by the federal government. The implication in the TMLC law suit that the struggle for civil rights is “not real” is appalling. I am happy to support the efforts of the LBGTA.
I cannot stress enough the encouraging feeling in my campaign camp. Support continues to grow, word continues to spread, and soon we will have real representation in District 2.
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