Friday, 10 September 2010 14:35

Washington, D.C. – On news that President Obama is expected to sign the Improper Payments Elimination and Recovery Act this morning, Kimberly Freeman Brown, Executive Director of American Rights at Work, released the following statement:

"President Obama is right to take on waste in the federal budget, as well as federal contractors who break the law. An even better way to ensure America's tax dollars are being spent properly is for the federal government to take the high road, and only contract with companies who respect workers and their rights.

The Obama Administration should side with the men and women who work every day to pay their bills, care for their families, and put aside savings for retirement. To ensure Americans are compensated fairly for their work, the federal government should give preference to contractors who provide family-supporting wages and respect their workers’ rights to form unions and collectively bargain.

Awarding government contracts to companies that respect American values is not only the right thing to do, it’s good business, and essential to rebuilding the middle class. And that's exactly how we achieve a win-win economy in America."

Resources:

"Obama to sign improper payments law"

Friday, 10 September 2010 14:35

Washington, D.C. –On news that the U.S. Senate passed the 60-vote threshold to extend unemployment insurance for millions of America's jobless, Kimberly Freeman Brown, Executive Director of American Rights at Work, released the following statement:

"Today's long overdue Senate vote is a godsent to the 2.5 million out-of-work Americans who were left  without unemployment insurance in the worst economy since the Great Depression.  Despite the efforts of anti-worker Republicans to stall this critical legislation, struggling families will soon be able to pay their bills as they continue the search for scarse jobs, while boosting consumer spending (in the process).

But let me be clear: while yesterday's vote is a relief to working families, Congress must not go on vacation without doing everything it can to stimulate good job creation and put America back to work. With the August recess fast approaching, America's workers - those with jobs and the 14.6 million without - will be watching very closely."

Resources:

"60 Votes in Place, Dems Ready to Extend Jobs, Money"

"Frustration and Despair as Job Search Drags On"

Friday, 10 September 2010 14:35

Washington, D.C. – As the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s 2010 “Jobs for America” summit begins, Kimberly Freeman Brown, Executive Director of American Rights at Work, released the following statement:

“I hope the U.S. Chamber of Commerce realizes that good jobs begin by ending the corporate takeover economy that allows unscrupulous employers to cheat employees and cut corners to boost profits and gain an edge over more fair-minded competitors.

On jobs, the path from going nowhere to getting ahead is by employers and employees working together to generate profits and share the rewards.

Rather than stand in the way of workers who seek to join the middle class by organizing unions in their workplaces, the Chamber should encourage workers to have a voice on the job. Workers must be allowed to join with their employers as equal partners to solve problems effectively, produce goods efficiently, and work more safely.

Our economy will boom again when workers can form unions to protect their interests, have jobs that allow them to buy what they produce, and when good employers who respect their workers gain the upper hand. The Chamber should stop standing in the way of that progress.”

Resources:

U.S. Chamber of Commerce Jobs Summit announcement

The U.S. Chamber's efforts against workers organizing unions

Each Labor Day, American Rights at Work highlights responsible companies in its "Labor Day List: Partnerships That Work " series

Friday, 10 September 2010 14:35

Washington, D.C. – On news that the CBS Television show 'Undercover Boss' was nominated for an Emmy Award in the category of Outstanding Reality Program this morning, Kimberly Freeman Brown, Executive Director of American Rights at Work, released the following statement:

"In today's economy, where America's workers are facing wage cuts, dangerous workplaces and loss of their retirement savings, working families deserve much better than the saccharine sweetness of 'Undercover Boss.'

While some may find it entertaining television, few observers can honestly mistake 'Undercover Boss' for a ‘real’ look into the problems workers confront in the workplace. Likewise, no one should confuse this show for evidence of a new era of respect, empowerment, and fair treatment of employees by corporate America.

We should see 'Undercover Boss' for what it really is: undercover advertising for corporations under the guise of reality TV, burnishing the images of CEO's who need all the good PR they can get."

Resources:

Emmy Awards nominations announcement: http://www.emmys.com/sites/emmys.com/files/62ndemmys_noms.pdf