Encourages Administration to Shepherd Passage of Employee Free Choice Act

WASHINGTON, DC— Tonight President Obama addressed a joint session of Congress and the American people to discuss his plans to reinvigorate our struggling economy. American Rights at Work Executive Director Mary Beth Maxwell released the following statement regarding the President’s remarks:

“President Obama has already made impressive strides toward improving the lives of America’s workers across our nation. By signing the Lily Ledbetter Fair Pay Act and the economic stimulus bill, he has taken the first steps needed to rebuild the middle class. Now is the time for the President to take further action and make the Employee Free Choice Act the law of the land.

This legislation is critical to giving workers a chance at living the American Dream by allowing them to bargain for fair wages and benefits. A recent report by the Center for American Progress indicates greater unionization could pump $49 billion into the struggling U.S. economy. When workers can once again support themselves and their families, our economy will be put on the road to recovery, and that’s why the Employee Free Choice Act is so vital.

As a cosponsor in the Senate, a Presidential candidate and now as President, Obama continues to be a strong advocate for the legislation and for unions. We look forward to the day when he signs the bill into law.”