Marchers Call on Congress to Rebuild America
with Good Jobs

UA 250 Joins with Labor Coalition to March for the Employee Free Choice Act

On Feb. 5 Members from UA Local 250 joined over 400 building trades members, airport and sanitation workers, nurses, janitors, educators and others to march from downtown Los Angeles to the Federal Building in West LA to highlight the importance of passing the Employee Free Choice Act.

Calling it the most important piece of legislation in 50 years, labor has made passage of the federal bill its most important goal this year. The bill would make it easier for employees to join a union, and stop the foot dragging and coercive techniques companies currently use to keep their shops union free. The bill allows employees to join a union simply by signing a card saying they want to join. The legislation would also strengthen penalties for companies that illegally intimidate employees in an effort to prevent them from joining a union.

"Our country is facing the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression and without a doubt it's recovery is going to take time," said Maria Elena Durazo, Executive Secretary-Treasurer of the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO. "However we also strongly believe that the Employee Free Choice Act is an important component in helping get our country back on track by opening the door for workers to make good middle class wages."

Marchers and community supporters gathered at the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO where the march began on Olympic Boulevard. All along the 10 mile route, workers held several events that highlighted some of the issues facing working men and women all across the country - from the foreclosure crises to the struggles of workers who are fighting to earn livable wages by joining a union.

"People think that voting to join a union now, is as easy as voting for a political candidate during an election, but it's not," said Maria Romero, an LAX baggage handler and marcher. "I decided to join a union because I wanted the opportunity to be able to better provide for my family. What I didn't expect was to be verbally and physically threatened when management found out I wanted to join one. That's why we need the Employee Free Choice Act - so that we are better protected."
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