Norton Introduces Resolution Supporting All Workers’ Rights and Calls for End of the Attacks on Workers

(Council 26)WASHINGTON, DC -- Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) today introduced a resolution, co-sponsored by Representative Donna Edwards (D-MD), supporting the rights of all workers, including federal employees, and calling for an end to attacks on their ability to organize and collectively bargain. Norton offered her resolution prior to a special order she will lead this evening in support of federal employees.

In her introduction statement, Norton said, “It has long been recognized that individual workers have little, if any, bargaining power sitting alone with an employer who has hired or could hire her. When unions organize workers, the ground becomes more level and economic conditions decide the outcome.”

The special order will be held today after House votes.

Norton’s introduction statement follows.

-- INTRODUCTION OF A RESOLUTION SUPPORTING THE RIGHTS OF PUBLIC AND PRIVATE EMPLOYEES TO ORGANIZE AND BARGAIN COLLECTIVELY

Ms. Norton. Mr. Speaker,

Today, I rise in advance of leading a special order this evening, to offer a resolution supporting the rights of all workers, including federal employees and other public employees, and calling for an end to attacks on their ability to organize and to collectively bargain. There are only a few salient rights recognized by every democracy, such as freedom of religion and freedom of speech, and on that list always appears the right for workers to organize in order to bargain collectively with an employer. It has long been recognized that individual workers have little, if any, bargaining power sitting alone with an employer who has hired or could hire her. When unions organize workers, the ground becomes more level and economic conditions decide the outcome.

Mr. Speaker, the American labor movement has been a major catalyst for the formation of a majority middle class in the United States by leading the way for improvements for all workers, which unions gain through collective bargaining. I ask the House to join me in recognizing the value of one of America’s union movement and those who work for a living in the public and private sectors.