Debate on Employee Free Choice Act Begins June 18

The United States Senate will begin debate on the Employee Free Choice Act – S. 1041 – on Monday, June 18, with a vote likely to come on Wednesday, June 20.

That means time is growing short to let our senators know that this critical legislation must be passed, said CWA President Larry Cohen. In a recorded telephone message going to tens of thousands of CWA members, President Cohen is calling on CWAers to contact their senators to urge them to vote yes on the Employee Free Choice Act.

CWA activists and union members nationwide are gearing up to do just that, and plan to send thousands of telephone calls and messages to their senators, especially in the 11 target states of Alaska, Arkansas, Colorado, Maine, Minnesota, Nebraska, New Hampshire, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania and Virginia.

Nationally, CWA members can call 1-800-455-7104 and enter their zip codes to be connected to their Senator's office. In speaking with a staff member or leaving a message, CWAers are asked to give their name, city or town, and let the senator know they're part of CWA.

In Washington, D.C., union members will rally on Tuesday, June 19, at Upper Senate Park near the U.S. Capitol to let senators know that this bill is a priority for working families. The AFL-CIO also is coordinating rallies and events in 60 communities across the country. 

During CWA's week of action for the Employee Free Choice Act, May 14-18, CWAers generated 7,000 telephone calls.

The House passed the Employee Free Choice Act on March 1 by a 241-185 vote.