WASHINGTON - Democrats rewarded organized labor Thursday for helping them retake control of Congress, passing a House bill that would make it easier for workers to start unions against companies' wishes.
The legislation, passed 241-185 on a nearly party-line vote, would take away the right of employers to demand secret-ballot elections by workers before unions could be recognized.
Note: I have personally participated in Union Organizing and eliminating the secret-ballot, in addition to being decidedly un-American, effectively compells workers to vote for the Union or suffer the derision and wrath of their peers.
Pelosi said it was "the most significant organized labor legislation in a generation".
2007-03-02 14:36:59 · 18 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Politics
Jeff S: No, I think corruption is appropriate. Particularly if the vote was "payback" for the organized labor vote for Democrats in November.
2007-03-02 14:49:11 · update #1
Pelosi was raised in a union environment, as was I. Let me tell you about unions. Eaton Manufacturing Inc. (valve division) in Battle Creek, Michigan... The 1970s. My father hired in, worked there 18 years and made his way up the union chain. Good money. Every few years, the contracts would expire and the UAW would send in the negotiating team to work out a new and better deal. Management told them not to push too hard or else. Or else what? Push too hard, and we'll shut this factory down and move to Nebraska (where there is no union). No one believed them and they pushed. Everyone was finally given an option, move to Nebraska, keep your job and agree to work as non-union labor or walk. The factory was bulldozed into the ground and everyone lost their shirts. Unions demand more which cuts into profit margins and so the cost of the product increases, minimalizing any gains made at the negotiation tables. It's a dog eat dog world. Push too hard and they move somewhere where there is no overhead brought on by unionization and excessive taxation. Trouble here is, Pelosi has never opened her eyes and has never studied economics. And for those who believe that unions are a great deal for America and point an accusing finger at management, I say, look at Lockheed prior to the 1960s. They were the last to go union. They'd always taken care of their empoyees and the employees in return, took care of Lockheed. Their products were great. Now, quality has suffered, cost overruns are the norm and the products cost a king's ransome. The wench is driving more of our jobs overseas. We are nolonger an industrial nation, we're not even a technological nation. We are purely a consumer nation. The only jobs remaining are basically service industry. Anything else, is essentially foreign owned and with that, the majority of the money goes where? Over seas...
2007-03-02 15:01:14 · answer #1 · answered by Doc 7 · 4⤊ 2⤋
It is about time the unions came back. If we had had Unions over the past 20 years, our jobs wouldn't have been outsourced overseas and job security would be a reality.
Reagan tore down the Union system when he disbanded the Air Traffic Controllers union during his "reign" as King of All Things.
Note: I was an active member of a union for 20 years and there was nothing un-American about them....as a woman, my job was protected during a time when women were second-class workers, my boss could no longer pat my behind whenever he felt like it and you couldn't be fired just because you pi**ed somebody of by saying NO.
2007-03-03 00:37:11 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
More like the most significant organized labor legislation in history. A law that 'demands' there to be unions. What next?
2007-03-02 22:40:50 · answer #3 · answered by Pancakes 7 · 8⤊ 1⤋
Im a member of a union. it has its good and bad. I do see the point regarding secret ballots though.
I work with people who would and do if they get a chance browbeat some people like that.
But im still a member as its been worth it for me. I make pretty good money and have benefits I would not have if it werent for the union.
2007-03-02 22:47:46 · answer #4 · answered by sociald 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
I think you are misusing the term "Culture of Corruption." Corruption is in line with criminal and illegal. Your own argument states that this was legislation that was passed with a majority... Pelosi followed the rules of the House.
If you don't care for Pelosi then just say she pissed you off or she sucks or whatever but you are misusing the word corruption.
To the Questioner: Okay, I'll take your argument for using the term... I disagree with you by using that term but I now see why you are using it.
2007-03-02 22:44:37 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 4⤋
And Republicans NEVER, EVER, EVER, EVER, EVER Did this? If you believe my statement, I will sell you the Empire State Building for $25,000 cash tomorrow! You're a funny guy!
2007-03-03 01:12:08 · answer #6 · answered by Mark B 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It's corruption, alright, but not limited to Pelosi. For one thing, 240 other Representatives voted to deprive Americans of one of our most cherished rights. They're *all* guilty.
But hey, people voted for them because "Bush sucks." Working out real well, isn't it?
2007-03-02 22:43:46 · answer #7 · answered by dukefenton 7 · 8⤊ 2⤋
They didn't have the help from me, or the union brothers I work with...
2007-03-02 22:42:08 · answer #8 · answered by Cookie Monster 3 · 5⤊ 1⤋
This is only the tip of the ICEBERG. There will be many self interest dealings as well.
2007-03-02 22:43:34 · answer #9 · answered by viablerenewables 7 · 4⤊ 1⤋
And it's only the beginning. I don't even want to think about what's coming next.
2007-03-02 22:42:48 · answer #10 · answered by southfloridamullets 4 · 5⤊ 1⤋