Political Quotes

“For 13 years, I cut men's suits at Seaford Clothing Factory in Rock Island, Illinois. I wouldn't be here as a Member of Congress if it were not for my union. My membership in UNITE HERE Local 617 afforded me access to higher wages, good benefits, and invaluable workplace safety protections. Under the Souder amendment, the NLRB could not enforce either party's obligation to bargain in good faith following a voluntary recognition. This would undermine the rights of potentially millions of workers who have already organized under voluntary recognition agreements and already engaged in collective bargaining relationships. Majority Sign-Up has been available under the National Labor Relations Act since 1935. It's proven to reduce strife in the workplace, resulting in better labor-management relations. Majority sign-ups also reduce coercion and pressure, compared to NLRB elections, which is why I'm a strong proponent of the Employee Free Choice Act. As my colleague mentioned, the Souder amendment would force all workers into the broken, unfair, undemocratic election system and strip away the freedom of contract. I ask all of my colleagues to vote against the Souder amendment which would take a huge step backwards for the rights of American workers.”