Solis Backs Employee Free Choice, Strong Enforcement of Wage, Safety Laws

http://blog.aflcio.org/2010/02/03/solis-backs-employee-free-choice-strong-enforcement-of-wage-safety-laws/

by Mike Hall, Feb 3, 2010



Labor Secretary Hilda Solis says workers face increasing obstacles when they try to form unions and “we need to restore their freedom to do so.” In testimony before the U.S. House Education and Labor Committee today, Solis looked back at the department’s actions in 2009 and forward to its 2010 agenda.

In reiterating the Obama administration’s support for the Employee Free Choice Act, Solis said:

I will work to ensure that workers’ rights will be protected. In order to rebuild the middle class, we need to level the playing field and restore fair play for all working people. The growing inequality in wages and benefits is partially due to the increasing obstacles workers face in forming unions and engaging in collective bargaining.

She also told the panel that the Labor Department will continue to “protect workers in the new economy…I am committed to enforcing all employment laws.”

particularly those related to payment of the minimum wage and overtime. Workers deserve this money and it will bring money to low-income households where most of it will be spent and help invigorate local communities.

FULL story at link.

Her and Sonia Sotomayor are some of the few bright points where "change we can believe in" came true.