Wilkes-Barre CLC Mobilizes for The Employee Free Choice Act July 11, 2008

(Pictured above from right to left: Betty Friday,UNITE HERE; Gil Cooney, UFCW; Congressman Paul Kanjorski, Employee Free Choice Act Co-sponsor; Wilkes-Barre Central Labor Council President Sam Bianco; Alex Taffera, UNITE HERE; and Bradley Greene, Pennsylvania Seniors for Home Care.)

The campaign to gather one million signatures to support the Employee Free Choice Act, known as the Million Member Mobilization, continues as a main component of our labor movement’s political program this year and beyond, until it becomes law.

On the Fourth of July Greater Wilkes-Barre Central Labor Council President Sam Bianco took the opportunity to gather signatures at the Wilkes-Barre Farmers’ Market this year. One of those signatures supporting the Employee Free Choice Act was that of Congressman Kanjorski who made an appearance at the farmers’ market.

“All of our people are working on this because everyone benefits from passing this kind of legislation,” said President Bianco. “It will help the community because once you get organized you make more money, have job security, and health care. There are better safety regulations with the union as well. So the passing of the Employee Free Choice Act is something the whole community will benefit from.”

President Bianco said that his work on gathering signatures from the petition is just getting started. “This is more important now than ever. Our unemployment rates are high and people are scared for their jobs. Organizing is too much of a challenge when there aren’t enough jobs to go around. That is why we have to elect candidates that support our issues and who will pass the Employee Free Choice Act.”

Congressman Kanjorski is a co-sponsor of the legislation and Congressman Carney pledged his support. “We know that union members have a loud voice,” said President Bianco. “We can elect candidates who will listen to that voice and we will all benefit. That is why we are working so hard this year to gather signatures and educate our members. We make the difference and our lives can improve because of it. It’s up to us.”