|  American Rights At Work Monday, 06 February 2012 22:53
The same day that the U.S. Chamber of Commerce begins
its annual Small Business Summit, American Rights at Work released
surprising results from its survey of 1,055 Americans who identify
themselves as small business owners or self-employed individuals.
"Small business leaders," said Kimberly Freeman Brown, Executive
Director of American Rights at Work, "are showing us that there is a
path to a 'win-win' economy in America. Employers and workers can both
generate success and share in the rewards of their hard work together."
Among other results, American Rights at Work found:
- 52% of small business owners surveyed were strongly "worried that unions have been weakened so much that our economy has actually been hurt."
- 58% strongly agreed that "labor unions are necessary to protect theworking person."
- 69% said it was very important to their business that "Congress enact legislation that rewards responsible employers who respect their workers' right to join a union."
- 72% strongly agreed that "a good business person can make a profit AND respect their workers' choice to form a union."
- 82% strongly agreed that "it's morally wrong for employers to fire or threaten employees for wanting to form a union."
» Press release » Full survey results
(PDF) read full article Monday, 06 February 2012 22:53 Strong partnerships with workers and unions help companies stay afloat in a tough economy

Employers across the country are finding that strong labor-management
partnerships are helping them stay in business in the midst of this economic
downturn. Together, unions and employers are improving efficiency, lowering
costs, enhancing worker-training programs, developing new energy solutions, and
expanding markets. These four companies are just a few examples of the many ways
labor-management partnerships are leading to innovative and practical solutions
which are good for workers and for the bottom line. » Read more
Flambeau River Papers Gamesa USA Gerding Edlen Development, Inc. Kaiser Permanente read full article Monday, 06 February 2012 22:53
Kimberly Freeman Brown: "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."
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 22, 2010 | CONTACT: Doug Pennington 202-822-2127x118 This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it |
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."
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Resources:
"Obama to sign improper payments law" read full article Monday, 06 February 2012 22:53 Kimberly Freeman Brown: “While today's vote is a relief to millions of families, Congress must still
prioritize getting Americans back to work before leaving for summer vacation"
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 21, 2010 | CONTACT: Doug Pennington 202-822-2127x118 This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it |
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."
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Resources:
"60 Votes in Place, Dems Ready to Extend Jobs, Money"
"Frustration and Despair as Job Search Drags On" read full article Monday, 06 February 2012 22:53 Kimberly Freeman Brown: “Our economy will boom again when workers can form unions to protect their interests, and have jobs that allow them to buy what they produce”
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 14, 2010 | CONTACT: Doug Pennington 202-822-2127x118 This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it |
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.”
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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
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