American Rights at Work - Workers Tell Their Stories

Workers Tell Their Stories

On Tuesday, March 31st, actors Martin Sheen, Bradley Whitford, and Richard Schiff from the award winning television show The West Wing joined workers and members of Congress for a major media event on Capitol Hill. Together, they unveiled a new ad and grassroots campaign: “Faces of the Employee Free Choice Act.”

The campaign features:

Advertising.
Building banners that will be displayed throughout Washington, DC.
Billboard trucks driving around legislators' home state offices during the April congressional recess.
Leafleting, call-in days, rallies and other grassroots action in lawmakers' home states.

Here are some of their stories:

	“I found a union would stand with you no matter what – that’s when I asked my coworkers to stand with me in organizing a union.” Joe Ann Fowler Certified Nursing Assistant Wilmot, AR » Read her story » See her banner
	“Strong workers make a strong economy that benefits everyone. When employers put down their workers like they did to us when we tried to form a union, it hurts everyone.” Zeldia Manning Former Poultry Plant Worker Dermott, AR » Read her story » See her banner
	“My company’s continued success is a message that companies can survive by treating workers well and allowing employees to unionize.” Asela Espiritu Registered Nurse Yorba Linda, CA » Read her story » See her banner
	“I am passionate about the need for reform now… not just because of what happened to me, but what can happen to anyone trying to unionize.” Sara Steffens Former Journalist Oakland, CA » Read her story » See her banner
	“I wanted my coworkers to be treated fairly so we could be better advocates for our students.” Roberta Ayala Teacher's Aide Denver, CO » Read her story » See her banner
	“I believed that what the union had to offer would benefit my coworkers and the company itself – but I got fired for trying to organize a union.” Dan Luevano Electrician Keenesburg, CO » Read his story » See his banner
	“It’s not fair that we ask the middle class to suffer and not get raises equal to the cost of living, while companies lay people off and continue to pay millions of dollars to CEOs.” Joe Bordelon Security Technician Denham Springs, LA » Read his story » See his mobile billboard
	“I am among a fortunate, small number of American workers who have been able to organize a union without interference from management. Unfortunately, most don’t have the same opportunity we did.” Chinazo Okolo Customer Service Representative Baton Rouge, LA » Read her story » See her banner
	“With anti-union scare tactics allowed to go on so long, eventually people will believe them…” Corey Kreese Former Welder Hunter, ND » Read his story » See his banner
	“It shouldn't be this difficult to join a union. The Employee Free Choice Act would eliminate harassment, coercion and intimidation from employers.” John Pezzana Engineering Technician Cheswick, PA » Read his story » See his banner
	“We decided to form a union to win a better life for our families. But the company won’t recognize our union – and they won’t give us a seat at the table to improve our jobs.” Charlie Wilson Security Officer Philadelphia, PA » Read his story » See his banner