With Members of Congress at home in their congressional districts this week, small business owners, local manufacturers, and other job-creating enterprises have a tremendous opportunity to explain directly to their elected officials exactly why they oppose the anti-worker card check bill. And, according to the
Rocky Mount Telegram, that’s exactly what happened earlier this week in North Carolina.
“The owner of an Edgecombe County boat manufacturer told a congressman on Monday that his company, which plans to triple its local work force over the next three years, might not prosper if federal lawmakers pass a controversial labor bill that’s building momentum in Washington, D.C.
“U.S. Rep. G.K. Butterfield, D-1st District, asked to tour the World Cat manufacturing facility after learning the Tarboro-based company was investing $2.65 million to buy a competing firm and expand local operations by 120 jobs.
“World Cat President Andrew Brown used the visit as an opportunity to share his concerns about the Employee Free Choice Act, which was introduced last month in the U.S. Senate.
“Brown said he was troubled by the most controversial aspect of the bill, the so-called ‘card check’ provision, which would make it easier for workers to form unions.
“The measure, Brown told Butterfield, could drive a wedge between management and employees.
“‘We have a good relationship with our employees, and I think our employees like working here,’ Brown said. ‘We have a good partnership, and that has been important, especially with the economy the way it is. I don’t think workers always get what they sign up for with unions in a lot of cases.’ …
“Political posturing aside, Butterfield said he was impressed by the boat manufacturer that last month announced its intentions to purchase Glacier Bay Catamarans of Seattle, which makes twin-hull cruising boats. …
“‘We have a tremendous unemployment rate in Edgecombe County, and they’re doing something about it,’ Butterfield said. ‘They’re hiring and intending to hire more people in this facility. Our economy is not doing so well right now, as everyone knows. And, if we’re going to turn this economy around, we have got to get people working.’”
Hixenbaugh, “Owner, lawmaker debate labor bill,” Rocky Mount Telegram, 04.07.09
The U.S. economy shed 663,000 jobs last month, bringing the total number of jobs lost since the recession began to some 5.1 million. Perhaps it’s time for Democrats in Congress to start listening to the people who actually want to create jobs, rather than saddling them with a costly new burden that will stifle job creation while stomping on workers’ rights.
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