An example why organized labor is in a free fall. Good riddance!

Labor union recognizes Murtha
By JENNIFER GARLESKY Daily American Staff Writer
February 24, 2007 12:17 AM EST

JOHNSTOWN - Representatives from the Johnstown Central Labor Council and the AFL-CIO gathered Friday morning to honor U.S. Rep. John Murtha, D-Johnstown, for his support of the Employee Free Choice Act.More than 50 union members from six counties attended the formal breakfast event at Ace's Lounge in Johnstown.

Throughout the week, the AFL-CIO has been honoring congressional members who support the legislation, said Rick Bloomingdale, AFL-CIO secretary/treasurer.The act, introduced earlier this month, would strengthen penalties for employers who violate workers' freedom to make their own choice about a union, according to an AFL-CIO press release.“This act will level the playing field to make it fair to organize,” Bloomingdale said.If passed, the act would allow a neutral party to determine a contract if the company and employees cannot reach an agreement, according to the release.“We need unions more now than we ever needed them,” Bloomingdale said.He said he believes the decline in the number of unionized groups is creating a downward spiral that is affecting the middle class.“The middle class is shrinking as we see the decline in the union,” Bloomingdale said.According to a study conducted by the Center for Economic and Policy Research, one out of five union activists is likely to be fired when they try to form unions.Bloomingdale said there is a need for grassroots activism. He said workers need to come together to help restore the economy.“People need to realize that if they can hold on to their job and their neighbor loses their job then everybody loses,” he said. “It's a big cycle.”Members of the Johnstown labor council plan to increase their visibility.“We are going to work in areas that do not have a union,” said Ernie Esposito, council president.During the event, Murtha spoke about the importance of labor rights.“We need fair employment that gives employees a voice,” he said.In an interview following Friday's breakfast, Murtha said the county is in need of a change of direction.“There are other issues that need to be addressed like preventative medicine and veterans affairs,” he said. “And the union is behind all of these issues.”