Proposed Bill Would Increase Penalties for Firing Workers Who Organize
Wednesday, July 30, 2014(Metropolitan Washington Council, AFL-CIO)
After LA truck driver Alex
Paz tried to
organize his fellow workers into a union, he was fired. And when DC food
service workers Keyona Dandridge struck for higher wages she was
fired. If the Employee Empowerment Act were law, Paz and Dandridge would
not only be able to sue their bosses, but the threat of serious financial
penalties “would
make them think twice before firing workers for organizing,” said Rep.
Keith Ellison (D-MN), who on Wednesday
held a press conference on
the bill with co-sponsors John Lewis (D-GA) and Jerrold Nadler (D-NY)
and
featuring workers, civil rights and labor leaders, including Metro Washington
Council President Jos Williams. “Put teeth in
a law that has
become toothless and the entire economy will benefit as a result,” said
Williams,
speaking on behalf of AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka. “The AFL-CIO stands
ready to do whatever it takes to make that happen.” Dandridge,
a single mother who prepares and serves food in a federal facility in
DC,
choked up describing how she’s worked hard to support her young daughter and
the hardships she’s endured fighting for worker rights. “That’s alright
Keyona,
we’ve got your back!” a voice called out to Dandridge as Ellison comforted
her.
The Employee Empowerment Act – which has some 15 co-sponsors -- would enhance
the scope of the National Labor Relations Act by expanding protections for
employees who are discriminated against based on their labor organizing
activities. The Act allows employees to pursue civil litigation against
employers who discriminate against them for organizing and entitles victims to
remedies like punitive and compensatory damages.
- report/photo by Chris Garlock