[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 152 (Wednesday, September 27, 1995)]
[House]
[Page H9510]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     SUPPORT H.R. 743, THE TEAM ACT

  (Mr. BALLENGER asked and was given permission to address the House 
for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. BALLENGER. Mr. Speaker, should cooperation between employees and 
employers be illegal? Today, 88 percent of the private sector work 
force cannot influence the terms and conditions of their employment by 
sitting down as a group with management and sharing ideas on improving 
the company. Those 88 percent are nonunionized workers, and it is 
illegal for employees and an employer to work together to resolve 
workplace issues using committees or teams that fall within the 
definition of a labor organization, unless those employees are 
represented by a union.
  An employer can have a suggestion box or hold a conference to discuss 
ideas in the abstract with employees, but it is illegal for an employer 
to follow through on any of these activities with actual workplace 
changes that are developed in consultation with the employees, unless 
those workers are represented by a union.
  The TEAM Act would give nonunion employees the same right as union 
employees--the right to work with the employer to resolve workplace 
issues. Join me in supporting H.R. 743, the TEAM Act so that all 
employees are fairly treated and able to participate in the process of 
workplace improvement.

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