A few conventions ago, our theme was “Together, We can make a Difference.” True then; even truer now. 

That’s so because now we have a chance to pass the Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA), which will change the lives of millions of American workers by giving them a realistic shot at joining a union. 

Now is the time that we in the labor movement can make a difference by doing all we can do to pass this important legislation.  In addition to writing and calling our Senators and Represenatives, we can make a difference by giving to the TWU COPE Program. This is one issue that we can use our COPE dollars for to make sure Congress pays attention to working people, rather than big business.

Millions of Americans are out of work, losing their health care or their retirement money, or are otherwise in financial straits. Times are tough. And who’s taking this economic crisis on the chin? Well, we are, of course. 

Four million people have lost their jobs since the recession began in December 2007. It’s not for lack of trying.  In terms of productivity, people are working harder than ever—but American workers still haven’t gotten a raise. And while jobs and wages are down, the cost of living continues to rise: The average cost of family health insurance plan will go up to $24,000 by 2016. $24,000! 

The Employee Free Choice Act says that workers should have the ability to bargain with their employers for better wages and benefits. It allows card check certification, so employers have less of a chance to poison the atmosphere before an election. Workers can still have a secret ballot election if they wish. EFCA would also force employers to bargain in good faith by providing for mandatory arbitration if a contract is not reached in a reasonable period of time.

One of the biggest reasons for our current economic crisis? People literally don’t have the cash they need to buy goods and services—which would in turn help the economy. Higher wages and higher benefits would give workers the purchasing power they need to buy more of the goods and services that this economy produces. 

A better economy will help all of us. And more unionized workers will help push wages up for all of us, rather than the race to the bottom we’ve seen for years.

The corporate interests opposing the employee free choice act have warned of everything from rioting in the streets to, literally, Armageddon if the bill passes. That’s why they have put up millions and millions of dollars to make sure that the Bill does not pass. Now I know we can not match them dollar for dollar but the TWU can do its part by joining COPE now and making a specific donation to help pass this legislation. 

Our COPE campaign has been amazing so far – many of you have stepped up in the midst of all of the challenges we face to help keep TWU’s voice strong.

 There is so much at stake for everyone in this upcoming Congress–EFCA, Foreign Maintenance, New CDL Regulations,  Reauthorization and much much more. It’s a lot of balls to keep in the air at once, but I know we can do it. 

Please invite your friends to join our COPE campaign. Join COPE NOW. Remember its not J US T for YOU its for all of US .