Thirteen Republicans joined 228 Democrats in voting for the bill. Two Democrats and 183 Republicans voted against the bill.

Contact your U.S. Senators today to urge them to vote for the Senate version of the bill sponsored by Ted Kennedy.

The Employee Free Choice Act would give workers greater freedom to join a union by:

• Establishing stronger penalties for violations of employee rights when workers seek to form a union and during first-contract negotiations,
• Providing mediation and arbitration for first-contract disputes, and
• Allowing employees to form unions by signing cards authorizing union representation.

President Bush has vowed to veto the legislation. It’s unclear whether the bill will reach his desk: supporters of the legislation will need 60 votes to overcome a likely Republican-led filibuster.

Click here to see how your representatives voted.
Click here to take action to urge your Senators to vote for workers’ rights to organize.

Editor at HRinfodesk.com - Canadian Payroll and Employment Law News
By Yosie Saint-Cyr, LL.B.,

November 4, 2006. A federal private members' Bill that will ban organizations from bringing in replacement workers (scabs) during a labour dispute (Bill C-257) was introduced on May 4, 2006 in the House of Commons, and received second reading on October 25, 2006. The Bill was sent to the Human Resources, Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities Committee for consideration and possible amendments. Provisions of the Bill would revise the Canada Labour Code and make it illegal for federally regulated companies to use replacement workers during a strike or lockout.

Using bargaining union members who wish to work, contractors, and employees of a related company would also be prohibited. Businesses would be fined $1,000 for breaking the rule. Furthermore, employers must reinstate employees in the bargaining unit who were on strike or locked out, in preference to any other person, unless the employer has good and sufficient cause-the proof of which lies on the employer-not to reinstate those employees.

However, business groups like the Canadian Chamber of Commerce and the Canadian Trucking Alliance, which represent mostly federally-regulated employers, are opposed to such anti-scab legislation. In letters to the government, both groups and other interested stakeholders stated that studies show that anti-scab legislation results in increases in strike incidence and duration, among other findings.

Two provinces, British Columbia and Quebec, have already established similar legislation. Other provinces allow replacement workers but under certain conditions.

The following is an interview with Bill Gibson, the President of Local 96 in Washington, D.C.

Why is it important for your local to be involved in this activity?

Basically to help out other locals that are having problems with employers. In turn we expect their help when we have problems. We do that through the Washington metro Central Labor Council (CLC), AFL-CIO and through other community agencies such as the Gray Panthers, ACORN and Jobs with Justice (JwJ). We help them out with their fights and then eventually they’ll help us out if we have problems.

What are examples of your own solidarity work?

What the CLC has here is what they call a street heat. They picket employers who are unwilling to let us organize workers for different locals. The Teamster joint council also does picketing. Another program through the CLC and JwJ is the freedom ride for immigrants. Two years ago our local received a golden picket award from the CLC for the most participation in street heats. I’m pretty proud of that.

What basic suggestions would you have for other Teamsters who are interested in getting involved in their areas?

If they have an active CLC in their area to participate in, do that. And if they look around they will find plenty of groups that are trying to work in the community to improve it. Organizations like ACORN and JwJ are nationwide. Even if your local refuses to get active, you may be able to go around the local and work with groups directly.

See these related Articles:
Building Solidarity Beyond Your Work Place or Local
LA TDU Solidarity
Vermont Workers’ Center