Rep. Miller Closes Debate - The Employee Free Choice Act

[submarinerDeep6]

this idiot is full of crap! SECRET BALLOT IS THE FOUNDATION OF A DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC! WITHOUT SECRET BALLOT WE WILL FALL UNDER THE CONTROL OF FASCISM. THIS HYPOCRTE RECEIVES 95% OF HIS CAMPAIGN FUNDS FROM EVERY UNION YOU CAN THINK OF AND MORE.ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS GOOGLE GEORGE MILLER DONOR LIST.THIS IS NOTHING MORE THAN PAYBACK FROM A CROOK. If this passes,government will control unions,unions will control the workers.WAKE UP SHEEPLE!!!!USING CHILDREN FOR MAKING A MUTE POINT IS CRIMINAL

[sidewalkpilot]

i pooted

[solidarity4]

@submarinerDeep6 : At least Rep. Miller get his financial support from average workers. Also, the Employee Free Choice Act amendment doesn't repeal any secret-ballot language from the National Labor Relations Act; it only adds the option for workers to be certified via a majority signing of cards.

[FluxCapacitor2008]

How are you as an individual going to turn back the assault on the working middle class?

The right to work anti union propaganda machine has a lot of people brainwashed, but thank god over 70% of the middle class have the majority.

[FluxCapacitor2008]

We as middle class workers need to organize in some way. We need to have some push back for the downward pressure the ultra rich power base is putting on the workers. We need a organize work force so we have some political power to turn back the one sided trade policies. We have no chance in hell to be completive with Chinese workers that make $35 a month on average.

[Tularim]

Strengthening workers right to organize will strengthen and stabilize the greater economy at the expense of private plutocratic wealth. Just what the Dr. ordered for our flailing economy.

[montroclq]

tmh you must be rich if not you're an asshole

[Quagmire113]

Finally the voice of sanity and of course from a Democrat. The secret ballot idea is a RED HERRING.......The Employee Free Choice Act is about forming unions. The bosses dont like unions. They dont want labor to have a voice which is a harmony of many voices. They dont want labor to have any control of their own destiny. They dont want labor to have an "agent" in the event their rights are violated. The RED HERRING is the secret ballot. Do some research. Support LABOR!!!! Support this!!

[tmh2939]

Anyway,this bill will take away employee rights because what better reflects a worker's true choice about whether to join a union or not, a ballot cast in private or a card signed in public? The best protection against intimidation from an employer or a union is a secret ballot election. Maybe the reason union membership is down is because workers have decided that the benefits are not worth the union dues they have to pay.

[bigfilmhat]

Part 1- The secret ballot is gone. Not potentially gone, it's gone already. Employers not only fire workers, they hire multi-billionaire union busters to help them fire workers, before a union election. Just do a youtube search for- SECRET BALLOT NAME, and watch the first video that comes up. Union-busters are like an organized crime ring shaking down workers, having "eyeball to eyeball" sit downs were they monitor workers body language.

[solidarity4]

@tmh2939 : Current labor law already provides for workers to form their union via card check; if their boss recognizes their union.

Workers are imtimidated in the workplace by their employer, prior to the secret-ballot election. It's nothing like the secret-ballot in public elections when you are voting for mayor, etc.

[Erekshunmon]

I have always been pro union, however card check isn't fair and just in a democratic society. Unions help improve conditions for the middle class and help blue collar workers improve economically. The corporations and the right wing have helped to destroy unions the past 30 years and working wages haev decreased sharply in that span of time. The CEO's, bankers and executives have done well but working men and women are falling behind even thought productivity is higher than years past.

[tmh2939]

The unions have destroyed this country-they have gone way past the good that they did in the past. I live in WV, and I have seen unions go on strike over and over again for no good reason-causing the companies to shut down and move elsewhere. Look at what the unions have done to the auto industry in this country-they have priced themselves out of jobs--it is ridiculous.

[Erekshunmon]

yeah but you havent given me a reason as to why real wages for middle class workers has remained stagnant even though productivity has increased. Bad corporate governance has ruined this country, not unions. Uaw has reduced wages for new workers so they have gievn back, only 12 % of the workforce is unionized and most of the wealth is concentrated at the top, trickle down supply side economics only help the rich get richer, and a little trickles down.

[tmh2939]

Maybe that has to do with our govt, the monetary system, and the fact that we need to go back on the gold standard and get rid of the Fed. Also the fact that our govt uses an absurd measure of inflation.

[Erekshunmon]

I think it has to do with the great deregulation that has occurred and the anti-labour laws passed on government the last 35 years. The federal reserve was around in the 50's and 60's which was the greatest period of growth in terms of wages and wealth for the middle class, so I don't buy into the fact that the reserve system is to blame. Even Alan Greenspan who is a right winger has admitted that the gap in income inequality is at's highest since 1929 when their were more anti labour laws.

[MetalTeamster]

"Destroyed this country"? Really? In 1970 , there ONE billionaire, Howard Hughes. In 1985 there were 13 billionaires, today there are over 300. In 1980 there were around 5500 millionaires, today there are over 50,000. I would say this country is enjoying the most prosperity it ever has. Also, Union membership is down to less than 12% of the workplace, down from 20% in 1983. What are you upset about, may I ask?

[bigfilmhat]

Part 2- I wouldn't have a problem with a "secret ballot", but it HAS TO be a secret from EMPLOYERS too. Companies can't hire Jackson-Lewis to bust the union, fire workers who are union friendly, interview to captive audiences and still claim that the ballot is "secret".

[LAGT01]

Believe what you want but taking away the right to vote on contracts freely (UAW has secret ballot voting)is wrong, and so far it has worked ,well, as well as can be expected and we should not let gov't. intervene at all in this process. preserve the democratic workplace vote.

[RubiconA01]

So.. you are telling me employees cannot get union organizers to come in & demand an election? It happens every day. Wage depression is an issue & letting illegal aliens in to take jobs at half rate is a significant part of the problem. The SEIU supports many illegal aliens. WHY?

[4363t]

I agree that IF he was fired for speaking up that is a shame.But who is tellng the other side.Remember a story has two sides.My largest concern with this act is that is 50% plus 1 sign cards then the union gets in. No vote, no chance for the company to respond to outlandish promises make by the union.Unions are a business and they are losing customers and this is a way to force people to join. There has to be a middle ground to protect workers from bad employers and support good businesses.

[varsitypianist2012]

They fired him because he wanted a union? Absolutely ridiculous. I can't believe I used to support these despicable republicans. Some of these employers belong in jail. George Miller is one of the few congressmen with the guts to speak the unadulterated truth.

[macnolds]

i feel the exact same way.

[Kabloooy]

After listening to Dems like this guy it's truly scary to think that we might have a Dem president in the near future. The bullshit that spewed from these guys is truly unbelievable. A vote for the dems is a vote for socialism and lies. Card checks are just a way to pressure people into voting one particular way. So much for "free choice".

[morningstar34]

I worked Union once, and out of thirty jobs I have had, was the best dang job I ever had. I'd go Union any day, and I'd suggest if you want to be treated fairly, join a Union! Make it work for you, get involved!

[bigfilmhat]

You do know that unionfacts is fronted by food industry and tobacco lobbyist Richard Berman. A group that opposes the Americans with disabilities act, whose clients include Monsanto, and Phillip Morris. Look up the article, "sticking up for the big guys"

[srican69]

Fuck you NoMo Spam .. you look like a industry hack ... we are coming for ... RUN Motherfucker RUN...

Else you will

BURN Motherfucker BURN...

[sublimepro]

Union dweebs are so pathetic.

[diplomaticavanue]

Nice interesting post! But, have you seen what happens if you put diamonds in a blender? Check it out blend.lostfrog 'dot' com

[harietp]

Nice interesting post! But, have you seen what happens if you put diamonds in a blender? Check it out blend.lostfrog 'dot' com

[JamesJB32]

I say yes for Unions,im so glad the Bill passed on March 1, 2007 :)

[cmatrix4761]

I am a strong supporter of workplace advocacy, including unions, so yaay to the March 1 passing of the Employee Free Choice Act!!

[jdean1900]

Ideally fair negotiations between employer and employees over salary, working conditions etc. can take place without intrusion of govt. or unions. There only needs to be maintained a level playing field by the govt.. thats all. Harsh reality is the days of over paid wokers,management,and fees paid to maintain the union beauracracy are waning.

[neimon]

Overpaid WORKERS? WHAT PLANET ARE YOU ON?

Thems with dah gold makes dah rules, you right-wing ponce.

[michaelispan]

moneychangers? the federal reserve? ,you are on the path. "them that gots gets"

[wildlywity]

No doubt! The car company execs keep trying to tell the public the labor costs cause car prices to go up. BS. Labor costs account for about 3% of the cost of your car. Most of it's upper management perks, and advertising. A few months ago, Dr. Pepper's owner had spent $5 Million for an ad campaign they threw out and never used. THAT's where the money goes. They hire children fresh out of college for bupkis, lay the experienced off and then can't figure out why their costs are so high.

[schratboy]

Boo freaking hoo. If you had/have your own business, run it however you like but don't moan over how others do it.

[ptownblazer]

Well done!

[jdean1900]

truly free capitalism (without govt. intrvention)is the best system, market forces automatically,and perfectly balance the interests of consumers,employers,and employees.the alternatives are socialism, a proven failure (dems).or corruption/dictatorship (republican).

[chinter]

unfortunately, true capitalism is probably impossible as things stand now. It's a utopian scheme that can't come into fruition as long as corporations receive protection.

[jdean1900]

unions are a double edged sword.they allow workers to be paid twice their worth,ensure a safe workplace,set reasonable hours, etc. but these costs are added to the final product,lesding to their ultimate self destruction when competing with identical, lower priced non union product. a real conundrum!

[chinter]

unions are the affirmative action of labor (or is it the other way around?) they dont fit in an ideal system, but they are immediately implementable fixes while we work towards a permanent solution. i suppose then my real problem is convincing everyone that we need a further, more permanent solution than labor unions. i mean, ideally workers should be paid what they're worth so i don't have to pay union dues so that my salary is properly negotiated for. employers don't think that way though...

[wildlywity]

"...ideally workers should be paid what they're worth..."

Wouldn't that be nice? Except when an individual gets close to big bucks like a payroll, they get sick with greed and want it all. Without that "agent" or "representative" to stand up with you, you're screwed. Just ask any person who used to work at Enron.

[Hannibal222]

Woo! George Miller's my boy.

[wildlywity]

I agree! George Miller has got soul about this! Corporate America is destroying the constitution. Labor unions created a middle class. Before that you were either rich or poor. No middle. What's stupid on the corporation executive's part is that without the middle class, they lose business. They don't care about the future of the company they serve; they just want their golden parachute before someone notices they raided the cookie jar.

[Ladamyre]

This is good legislation.

Fascism is a system of government where the corporations and their interests become the sole purpose, aim and function of the government. The workers and their interests and their rights aren't considered. Hence fascism is anti-democracy.

Our current administration is fascist.

Socialism on the other hand is a form of government where the workers' interests are the main concern.

I prefer socialism because it is pro-democracy.

[amandacalifornia]

You are such an idiot. No one is fascist. You are just insane. To say that workers have no rights is ridiculous.

[Congresssux]

this is bad, b4 unions took cards 90% of employees would sign the card, then when the private vote came ppl, voted unions down in private. This is a huge mistake and moves us closer to socialism, a private vote is important, now that is gone! The Senate will not pass this.

[KawValleyKid]

They sign the card 'cause they Want union protections,they don't vote for it because they are threatened by the employer.employees must band together,if they hope to get any fair treatment by their employers.otherwise things like Wal-mart happen.

[whiteypowers]

You are a joke in ANY state, heh

[danyolrian13]

if your against unions, your basically saying that your boss has the right to fuck you anytime he wants, out of pay, overtime, and benefits. Next time your unemployed and milking your unemployment dry you should educate yourself about the topic.

[willb48]

Unions protect even non-union workers. The demise of unions - started under Reagan (see:Air Controllers) - has led to subjugation of the middle class.

[ghosttrain2066]

because that would have cripled the country he was a uoinman

[thinkasur]

hillary porn scandal video!

type in thinkasur

[staphinfection]

The funny thing is, if an employee has a problem with their wages or lack of health care, there's the door. There's so many people that will do the same job, and probably for less with no benefits, just because they have no job or no hours at another job. It happened to me at our local news station. They told us(production team) our show looks like shit, and I told them their wages suck and we aren't getting benefits, in which they said "There's the door".

[Zenthik]

What happens when labor organization is so undermined that there is no alternative? I'll give you a hint: It's already happened.

[molnardian]

Union yes.

[rctaborjr]

lies, all lies.

[whiteypowers]

Companys have their management cast votes on secret ballot- i've seen it happen! These assholes that say they hate unions have obviously never been a member of one. Me... I'm a proud teamster! (local 339)

[sixtoedkitty]

Sad but true. Special interest is destabilizing this country for a fast buck. Ensure the domestic tranquility doesn't mean very much to many in power these days.

[AndrewGlass]

Yeah, special interests like labor unions. They bought and paid for every Democrat and 13 Republicans on this one.

[KawValleyKid]

Probably with all that honestly earned union dues money,the bastards.Why can't they buy them off the republican way?whit cooperate profits!Oh yeah,that money is earned of the sweat of the laborer too! get real A**hole

[AndrewGlass]

Yeah, this is the 19th century. The only work people do requires hard labor. Labor Unions are so 50 years ago.

[michaelispan]

no, labor unions are 150 years old ,and we are still fighting the good fight.

[asdffd]

This guy is AWESOME! Someone willing to tell it like it is. Rock on.

[Killoranz]

United, we bargain; divided, we beg.

[MarquisdeBarrabas]

Hear, hear!

[Haynkekai00]

DAMN Rip um up

[jimisback]

I hate unions. So now you have to tell people how you vote in union votes. Sick. UnAmerican. Socialist.

[fishhead06]

Ha - I used to live in that district!

[cadillac123456789]

The Robber Barons are back. Nice job Congressman Miller

[Huntress54]

You tell 'em Rep. George Miller (D)!!

"Pay to play! Pay to play! ....You're a group of different stripes. Yeah, you'll be wearing stripes!"

lmfao!!

[bastonal]

So the corporations spend billions a year on lobbyist to change workers pensions & benefits-If workers dont have a strong voice thats their problem. Thats what makes our country great-Allow the rich to get richer-they can afford & pay lobbyist to represent them-give millions to candidates to change laws. Isnt that what being an American is all about? Take all you can anyway you can-Its a dog eat dog world out there. Should workers be allowed to unite, have a voice about their pay & conditions?

[MidnightChimes]

Well...if you want to talk about bribes...we actually pay the members of Congress. Shouldn't we get something for our money. Otherwise, let's take them off the payroll and have corporate America pay the bill.

[MidnightChimes]

Congressmen should be allowed to be fired at any moment and lose all their benefits, pensions, and money.

[KawValleyKid]

Totally! like all those indited republicans... But not this Dem,He deserves a raise!

[Synthe]

hemmm it seems that cheney told that the president will veto it bahhh good way to lose 2008

[ThePatriotsMaxim]

Republicans show as much concern for American workers as they do for our troops. Lousy health care(Walter Reed), no security(body armor).

[GiantBucket]

Ooh, sick burn.

[SheetMetalWorkers]

George Miller is a working class hero.

[ArthurKC]

The bill passed today, March 1, 2007.

[maralenenok2]

Now watch the Senate Republicans filibuster it. I hope I'm underestimating them, but it'll be a first.

[JOYOUSONEX]

George Miller is without a doubt one of the most intelligent members of the Congress.

[submarinerDeep6]

joyofNOSEX...YOU ARE ONE OF LEAST intelligent posters on youtube.This man is a bought and paid for union hack.He takes in a 70% of his contributions from unions...no wonder his legislation is targeted at filling the pockets of unions. This piece of crap could care less about the people, This wacko is greatly responsible for cutting the water off from the Central Valley of California. To date 40,000 people are on food lines,out of work and crating a huge , dried up, dustbowl.