<html> <head> <meta HTTP-EQUIV="Content-Type" CONTENT="text/html; charset=windows-1252"> <meta NAME="GENERATOR" CONTENT="Microsoft FrontPage 3.0"> <title>Labor Law Reform</title> <meta NAME="Template" CONTENT="C:\PROGRAM FILES\MICROSOFT OFFICE\OFFICE\html.dot"> </head> <body LINK="#0000ff" VLINK="#800080" BGCOLOR="#FFFFFF"> <img SRC="../images/rrinfofax5.gif" WIDTH="600" HEIGHT="95"> July 29, 1998 All workers will benefit from Labor Law Reform The failure of U.S. Labor Law to protect the rights of workers during an organizing drive is hurting all workers The first chart reveals that beginning in 1979 the percent of the unionized workforce in the United States began to decline sharply, and continues to do so. The second chart shows the historical trend of workers wages and worker productivity rising together until approximately 1979 when wages began to drop while productivity continued to increase. <table> <tr> <td></td> <td>Worker Productivity vs. Wages U.S.</td> </tr> <tr> <td><img SRC="../images/lawgraph1.gif" WIDTH="300" HEIGHT="257"> </td> <td><img SRC="../images/lawgraph2.gif" WIDTH="300" HEIGHT="257"></td> </tr> </table> These two charts graphically illustrate the direct correlation between the ability of workers to bargain collectively and their ability to secure wage increases. The dramatic decrease in the number of unionized workers has put a downward pressure on the wages of all workers, union and non-union alike. To stop this downward trend in wages it is imperative that we organize workers in all industries. The reform of the U.S. labor law, specifically allowing for "card check" recognition is an important step to increase the number of unionized workers in this country. We must change the rules so workers have a real opportunity to exercise their constitutional right to form a union free of company intimidation and interference. The charts on the next page illustrate the experience in Canada over the same time period. <img SRC="../images/rrfaxfoot5.gif" WIDTH="600" HEIGHT="32"> <a href="../rapid.html">Return to Rapid Response</a> <a href="../index.htm">HOME</a> | <a href="../organize.html">ORGANIZE</a> | <a href="../news.html">NEWS</a> | <a href="../services.html">SERVICES</a> | <a href="../uswa.html">MAP</a> | <a href="../rapid.html">RAPID RESPONSE</a> | <a href="../newusers.html">HELP</a> | <a href="../feedback.html">FEEDBACK</a> </body> </html>