Statement by Edward J. McElroy,
President, American Federation of Teachers,
On International Human Rights Day 2007

WASHINGTON, D.C.—International Human Rights Day is an ideal opportunity to draw attention to the increasingly difficult environment for employees here in the United States who want to exercise their basic right to form a union. The U.S. Senate should join the U.S. House of Representatives and pass the Employee Free Choice Act, which would prevent the hostility, intimidation and harassment that workers often face during an organizing campaign. As is the case in any other democratic decision where the will of the majority rules, this law would permit a union to be certified if a majority of employees sign union authorization forms. This is fair as well as expedient, and helps ensure a more civil and productive labor-management relationship.
 
In a 2006 national poll, more than three-fourths of Americans said laws are needed to give employees the freedom to make their own choice about whether to form a union without interference from management.

International Human Rights Day is the anniversary of the ratification of the United Nation’s Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which recognized the right to join a union and bargain as a basic human right. The Employee Free Choice Act would ensure that this basic human right is protected.

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