Nov. 25, 2008

Obama: Workers need Free Choice.  "It's that simple."

When workers can bargain collectively in a union, the improvements to wages and benefits are dramatic and measurable.  

The Washington-based Center for Economic and Policy Research has issued a series of reports this year documenting the difference unions make for various segments of the working population: African-American workers, Latino workers, low-wage workers and young workers.  The next report, due out next week, will explore the impact of joining a union for women.

With the new President and more progressive Congress, chances are good the Employee Free Choice Act could become law next year.  Workers would gain the right to form a union whenever a majority at a workplace signed a petition for one, avoiding much of the harassment and intimidation employers use to stifle union drives.  In this video, President-elect Obama says: "If the majority of workers want a union, they should get a union.  It is that simple."

Read CPI blog today on Obama and working people

This will be a tough Thanksgiving for many.  It's hard to feel thankful if you've lost your job, your home, your retirement savings -- or maybe all three.

But there is a bright light of hope -- generated by all of us who went to the polls on Nov. 4 -- that things will improve in the new year.  Join CPI Communications Director Susan Duerksen today on the Café San Diego blog for a discussion of how the Obama presidency could change the lives of low-wage workers, the unemployed and the middle class.

Living Wage Holiday Party and Toy Drive

The Living Wage Coalition is collecting toys, nonperishable food and donations for a holiday party for families of low-wage workers who stood with us bravely to strengthen San Diego's Living Wage law.

To make a donation for the Dec. 6 party, please click here and specify "holiday gift" in the information box, or drop off gifts or mail a check to CPI at 3727 Camino Del Rio South, Suite 100 San Diego, CA 92108.  For more information or to volunteer at the event, contact Natalie Nava at (619) 584-5744 ext.24 or natalie@onlinecpi.org.