WORKFORCE FAIRNESS INSTITUTE

Washington, D.C. (October 9, 2009) – The Workforce Fairness Institute (WFI) today issued the following statement in response to news reports that AFL-CIO Legislative Director Bill  Samuels stated in relation to the Employee ‘Forced’ Choice Act that, “[t]here are certainly some senators who preferred not to have to address this issue at the height of the recession … I think that’s less of a concern now.”
 
“Today, the AFL-CIO’s contention that economic conditions are ‘less of a concern now’ and have improved sufficiently to move forward with job-killing legislation is nothing short of stunning.  It leads one to ask, what planet are union bosses living on?,” asked Katie Packer, executive director of the Workforce Fairness Institute (WFI).  “Apparently, Richard Trumka and Bill Samuels are unaware of the fact that 263,000 jobs were lost in September, the 21st consecutive month of losses, unemployment rose to a 26-year high of 9.8%, and the average workweek fell to an all-time low.  It is clearer than ever that power-hungry interests in Washington have absolutely no concern for workers or small businesses and will do and say anything to move forward with the Employee ‘Forced’ Choice Act.  This legislation – or any variation of it – that diminishes worker rights or further damages our economy in order to pad the pockets of Big Labor is completely unacceptable and will not receive the support of the small business community or the American people.”
 
BACKGROUND:
 
AFL-CIO: “There Are Certainly Some Senators Who Preferred Not To Have To Address This Issue At The Height Of The Recession … I Think That’s Less Of A Concern Now”:
 
“Debates over the economic stimulus and health care reform have tied up the labor movement’s energy for much of the first year of the Obama administration, sidelining its No. 1 target agenda item, the Employee Free Choice Act.  Next year, unions are looking to pass the legislation … Introduced in the House and Senate on the same day in March, the bill has had no high-profile hearings this session … Bill Samuel, legislative director for the AFL-CIO, said that conditions for major labor legislation are getting better than they were in the first half of 2009.  ‘There are certainly some senators who preferred not to have to address this issue at the height of the recession,’ he said.  ‘I think that’s less of a concern now.’” (Alyssa Rosenberg, “Labor Now Open To Compromise,” National Journal, 10/10/09)
 
263,000 Jobs Eliminated In September; Unemployment 9.8%:
 
“The U.S. labor market weakened in September as 263,000 payroll jobs were lost and the unemployment rate rose a tenth to a 26-year high of 9.8%, the Labor Department reported.  It was the 21st consecutive month of job losses.  Since the recession began in December 2007, 7.2 million jobs have been lost and the unemployment rate has doubled.  Details of the report were almost universally dismal, with the number of unemployed people rising by 214,000 to 15.1 million.  Of those, 5.4 million have been out of work longer than six months, accounting for a record 35.6% of the jobless.  The employment participation rate fell to 65.2%.  An alternative gauge of unemployment, which includes discouraged workers and those forced to work part-time, rose to 17% from 16.8.  Total hours worked in the economy fell by 0.5%.  The average workweek fell back to an all-time low of 33 hours.” (Rex Nutting, “U.S. Job Losses Accelerate To 263,000 In September,” www.marketwatch.com, 10/2/09)
 
The Workforce Fairness Institute is an organization committed to educating voters, employers, employees and citizens about issues affecting the workplace. To learn more, please visit: http://www.workforcefairness.com.
 
To schedule an interview with a Workforce Fairness Institute representative, please contact Kelly Oliver (ext. 140) or Mary Beth Hutchins (ext. 105) at (703) 683-5004.