Employee Free Choice Brings Democracy to the Workplace

“When some workers are denied a voice on the job, we all hurt,” said SEIU Local 721 Santa Barbara Chapter President Rey Ybarra. “The opposition is putting in millions of dollars and we must act now to make Employee Free Choice a reality.” A panel on workers’ rights was held in Santa Barbara on the Tuesday May 26, to discuss, educate, and urge support for the Employee Free Choice Act. Rep. Lois Capps, D-Santa Barbara, made the opening remarks about workers’ rights and why this Act is needed. “It would level the playing field for workers to unite on the job without fear of intimidation,” she said. “The ability of workers to unionize is a fundamental right that must be protected.” As a co-sponsor of the bill, Rep. Capps also gave her strong support to help ensure it passes. “When some workers are denied a voice on the job, we all hurt,” said SEIU Local 721 Santa Barbara Chapter President Rey Ybarra. “The opposition is putting in millions of dollars and we must act now to make Employee Free Choice a reality.” The Act would triple penalties for employers who illegally fire or harass union activists during organizing drives. This legislation has already been the target of a multi-million dollar misinformation campaign led by corporations like Wal-Mart and Home Depot. Other panelists that night included: Nelson Lichtenstein, UCSB labor historian; Daraka Larimore-Hall, chair of the Democratic Party of Santa Barbara County and vice-chair of the state Democratic Party labor caucus; Rev. Dr. Roy Donkin, minister of the Cambridge Drive Community Church in Goleta; and Melinda Burns and Dawn Hobbs, two reporters who were illegally fired for union organizing at the Santa Barbara News-Press.