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ITF board backs US unions’ fight for Employee Free Choice Act
13 May 2009
The ITF has passed a resolution backing unions’ campaign in the US to bring in the Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA). The act toughens up existing US labour law, making it more difficult for employers to engage in anti-union practices.
Members of the ITF’s executive board passed the resolution, when they met in London, UK, on 23-24 April. They acknowledged that workers in the US were routinely facing dismissal, intimidation and discrimination for exercising their right to form a union and engage in collective bargaining. A number of employers also frequently funded million dollar anti-worker campaigns implemented by consultants, they reported.
The EFCA, which US unions are lobbying to see implemented, would protect workers in a number of ways. For example, it would introduce stronger penalties against employers who violate the law and allow workers to form unions by signing cards authorising representation.
The board resolved to stand firmly with its US affiliates in their fight for the passage of the act and to call on the US Congress to pass the legislation. It also urged affiliates from countries that respect International Labour Organization standards on freedom of association and collective bargaining to lobby their own governments to press the US Congress on the matter.
The economic crisis was also the subject of a resolution at the executive board meeting. Participants noted that unemployment was rising and the number of working poor increasing. There were specific dynamics for transport workers as the impact of the world trade slowdown on the movement of goods and people took its toll.
Members agreed to work alongside civil society groups to campaign for decent work. They called for coordinated policies by governments and international bodies to help low income groups, to provide social protection, particularly for families, and to benefit women and young people.
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