Momentum Pours Into Cities and States Across the Country During Congressional Recess

***View the ad at www.FreeChoiceAct.org*** 

WASHINGTON, DC— As Members of Congress depart Washington, DC this week to return to their home states and districts for the April recess, a new massive ad campaign, along with hundreds of grassroots actions await their arrival. A new television ad will run nationwide and over 300 events will be held across the country to remind elected officials that a majority of the public demands passage of the Employee Free Choice Act.

The grassroots activity planned for the recess includes rallies, leafleting, lobbying, town hall meetings, moving billboards, community forums, vigils, call-in days, and more. Workers, elected officials, students, civil rights leaders, and other advocates, will participate in an array of actions underscoring the broad and diverse support for the measure.

“This recess, we will not allow our leaders to forget that workers across the country are counting on them to make the economy work for everyone again,” said American Rights at Work Executive Director Mary Beth Maxwell. “There is an unwavering commitment by a majority of lawmakers to restore our middle class and give workers back the freedom to bargain for a better life. Our ramped up efforts send a strong message to the rest of Congress that we can, we must, and we will pass the Employee Free Choice Act this year.”

Over the past month, new developments have continued to build on the momentum for the Employee Free Choice Act: the bill was introduced in both the House and the Senate; independent polling confirmed a majority of the public supports its passage; over 40 leading economists – including Nobel laureates – released a joint statement endorsing the legislation as a critical part of our economic recovery; and just this week the “Faces of the Employee Free Choice Act” campaign was unveiled by award-winning cast members of The West Wing standing alongside workers to promote the freedom to form unions on Capitol Hill.

Roberta Ayala, a teacher’s aide from Denver, CO, and Joe Bordelon, a security technician from Denham Springs, LA, were part of the delegation of workers who came to Congress this week, and are traveling throughout their states during the recess to share their firsthand accounts of why workers need the Employee Free Choice Act.

Roberta conveyed that she wanted a union for her coworkers “to be treated fairly,” and to be “better advocates for our students.”

Joe pressed his case for the bill to lawmakers, explaining “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.”

To view the new ad and for more information, visit www.FreeChoiceAct.org or www.americanrightsatwork.org.

Below is the script for the new TV ad:

“Fabric of America” TV: 30 VO:

“It’s an idea that makes America strong.

It’s a fair day’s pay for a hard day’s work.

It’s health insurance when you’re sick or injured.

It’s job security to provide for your family.

It’s the fabric of a sound economy. 
It built the middle class.

And it’s what the Employee Free Choice Act is all about…

Letting workers choose to join a union to earn better pay and benefits.

The Employee Free Choice Act. It's time our economy worked for everyone again.”