Washington-Orange Counties Central Labor Council

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Washington & Orange Counties
CENTRAL LABOR COUNCIL
AFL-CIO

THE FREEDOM TO FORM A UNION

As an elected leader, I am committed to making our community a better place in which to live and work. I support efforts to raise living standards, and to promote good schools and a vibrant local economy. I know that the quality of life in our community depends on the quality of its jobs. I recognize that unions give employees a voice at work, improve productivity, and contribute to the economic vitality of our area.

I support efforts to hold all corporation receiving public funds, including tax credits, for economic development or public contracts, accountable for job creation that pays at least a family wage, provides adequate training, a safe workplace, good benefits for all workers, and obeys all laws. I will work to ensure that public funds are directed only to socially responsible companies that respect their employees choice to organize by agreeing to card check recognition and employer neutrality.

I understand that the decision to unionize belongs exclusively to employees, not their employers. I believe that any employer that uses legal or illegal tactics to harass, threaten or fire employees for trying to form a union – or deliberately manipulates national and state labor relation systems to prevent workers from unionizing or winning a first contract – does working Vermonters and our community a disservice.

I support the principle, guaranteed by federal law, that employees are entitled to a free choice to form a union without interference, intimidation or fear of reprisals. (Check box if you agree.)

In addition, I pledge to stand by workers who are trying to form unions or win a first contract.

Check all that apply:

I will walk picket lines and speak at rallies in support of workers who are trying to form a union and/or win a fair and equitable contract.
When workers are trying to form a union, I will actively urge employers to remain neutral, respect the choices of their employees by voluntarily recognizing a union when a simple majority has indicated their desire to join a union, and negotiate in good faith for a first contract.
I will write letters to workers considering unionization about why unions are good for the community.
I will offer to serve as an intermediary when necessary, and to actively promote alternatives to the delays and legal maneuvers that accompany union elections, including neutrality and card-check voluntary recognition agreements.
I will speak out publicly and allow my name, picture, press statement, etc., to be used in support of workers’ right to organize.
I will support efforts to place standards into law so that public funds are directed only to responsible companies that are held accountable for job creation that pays at least a family wage, provide adequate training, a safe workplace, good benefits to workers, and agree to card-check neutrality.

Signed___________________________________________________
Date______________

Please return to:
Vermont State Labor Council, AFL-CIO · P.O. Box 858, Montpelier, VT 05601-0858
Phone: 802-223-5229 · Fax: 802-223-1123 · E-mail: vtaflcio@sover.net
http://www.vtafl-cio.org/