[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 42 (Tuesday, March 10, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E620]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            SUPPORTING THE EMPLOYEE FREE CHOICE ACT OF 2009

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. FORTNEY PETE STARK

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 10, 2009

  Mr. STARK. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of the Employee 
Free Choice Act of 2009, which my good friend George Miller has 
reintroduced today.
  Passage of the Employee Free Choice Act is long overdue. Middle-class 
Americans are the backbone of the economy, and yet they took a back 
seat to corporate giants over the past eight years. The previous 
Administration decided to protect big business at the expense of their 
employees, and corporate profits ballooned while real worker wages 
stagnated or even declined.
  Right now, employers can use coercive tactics in the run-up to an 
employer-forced election even when a majority of workers want to form a 
union, they can stall indefinitely during contract negotiations, and 
they can engage in illegal labor practices and receive only a slap on 
the wrist. American workers deserve better.
  The Employee Free Choice Act levels the playing field between 
employees and employers by allowing workers to decide whether to hold a 
NLRB election or instead show that a majority of workers support 
unionization. The Act prevents employers from stonewalling and makes it 
easier for employees to reach a collective bargaining agreement. 
Finally, the Employee Free Choice Act stiffens penalties against 
employers who violate the law.
  The current economic recession makes passage of the Employee Free 
Choice Act even more important. Workers with higher wages will 
stimulate the economy, spur investment, and get America back on the 
road to prosperity. That's why I'm proud to be a co-sponsor of the 
Employee Free Choice Act of 2009, and why I urge all of my colleagues 
to support this vital piece of legislation. It's time to recognize and 
support American workers instead of leaving them behind.

                          ____________________