Workers Free Choice to Form Unions –Myth or Reality?

In 2006, APHA passed the resolution “The Right For Employee Free Choice To Form Unions”, which addresses current legislative proposals to “strengthen protections for workers and their freedom to unionize by requiring employers to recognize a union after a majority of workers authorize representation.” This resolution supports broader worker access to health care and to improved conditions in the workplace including health and safety protections. The process of workers forming unions by signing cards is commonly known as “Voluntary Recognition Agreements". Although many members of the public believe that workers are currently allowed to vote freely in union elections, ample evidence indicates that thousands of employees undergo retaliation by employers for participation in elections, thus contaminating the election process. These obstacles have made it difficult or impossible for workers to join together effectively to seek safer working conditions and access to high-quality health care. This session will present speakers who have direct experience in the current reality of labor rights in U.S. workplaces. Workers, Union Organizers, and Public Health Professionals will address the present experience with worker attempts to form unions, the impact on worker health care, working conditions, and retirement income security, and the models for change. This session promises to be lively and informative about a world that is seldom seen by the general public but has large consequences for workers, employers and society.