Thousands Rally Today for Free Choice

Dozens of Senators will join a huge crowd today at 2P at the US Capitol to support the Employee Free Choice Act.  Debate on the bill – which would deal with worker harassment and firing for union activity, delays in the union election process and employer foot-dragging in negotiating a first contract -- began in the Senate yesterday, where a vote is expected Wednesday. Local activists will be joined by thousands bussing in from up and down the East Coast. “We’ve got plenty of signs and water bottles for this historic moment for the labor movement,” promise rally organizers. “This is a great chance to put pressure on those last few wavering Senators to do the right thing,” adds Metro Council President Jos Williams. The Washington rally is just one of nearly 100 events taking place around the country this week to show the widespread public support for the Employee Free Choice.  Events are set for places including Minneapolis/St. Paul, Cincinnati, St. Louis, Lincoln, NE and Salem, OR. December 2006 EFCA rally, photo by Andy Richards