ITF backs union lobby for new act to strengthen US labour law

5 February 2009

The ITF is supporting US unions and human rights groups, which are currently lobbying to see the Employee Free Choice Act come into force. The act, which was passed by the US House of Representatives and which is set to be considered by Congress this year, would reinforce current US labour law.

As it stands, US labour legislation does not fully allow workers’ right to choose freely whether or not to form a union. As a member of the International Labour Organization, the US is legally bound to protect workers’ fundamental right to organise and collective bargaining; however, in practice, US employers frequently fail to respect workers’ right to freedom of association.

The Employee Free Choice Act would: allow for stronger penalties against employers who violate workers’ rights when they attempt to form a union and during first contract negotiations; provide mediation and arbitration for first contract disputes and allow workers to form unions by signing cards authorising representation.

The ITF is supporting a national campaign calling for the act to be passed, part of which was yesterday’s rally in Washington DC outside the US Capitol. The event will see thousands of workers deliver a petition to Congress on the issue.

ITF General Secretary David Cockroft said: “The ITF is supporting this campaign because we want to see US legislation fall into line with international labour law, which it currently falls short of. The act is particularly crucial now, when workers are feeling the brunt of the economic crisis.”

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