Reps. Raúl M. Grijalva (D-Ariz.) and Keith Ellison (D-Minn.), Co-Chairs of the Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC), today released the following statement after voting to oppose H.R. 3094, the so-calledWorkforce Democracy and Fairness Act:
“There is a jobs crisis in America, and Congressional Republicans are intent on making it worse by cutting millions of good jobs and stripping away the freedoms of working people. Today’s Republican scheme to weaken America’s middle class would undermine and delay workers’ ability to exercise their right to form a union. H.R. 3094 even attacks the freedom of individuals to choose the co-workers they want to join with.
“Americans join unions because it’s smart to be united when negotiating for fair pay and decent benefits. That’s how we got the 40-hour work week, family and medical leave, and safe workplaces.It’s not the government’s job to make it harder for people to earn a living and support their families.
“Today’s vote had nothing to do with what the American people want or need. Congress’ number one priority should be creating jobs and strengthening the American middle class, not taking away their rights. Sadly, Washington Republicans voted – again – for a government that works for the corporate special interests instead of the American people.
“Every day we waste passing another ideological bill is another day the American people struggle to make ends meet. This has to change before we lose an entire generation to unemployment and a dimmer future. We need leaders who put middle-class families before their corporate campaign donors. We need to put America back to work.”
