FH Myers Construction Corporation

	520 Commerce St Harahan, LA 70123 Phone: 504.734.1073 \| Fax: 504.734.1099

News

"A Time to Stand Up"

The Congress is on the move again to cause havoc in the business community across the country. They have labeled this program as "Employee Free Choice Act" (H.R.1409 & S.560). It is very interesting how the title of these bills is designed to disguise the truth. One would ask, "How could anyone vote against Employee Free Choice?"

The basic fact is that these bills are designed to eliminate your private right to vote. The foundation of this legislation is to have employees vote in a public arena facing organized labor representatives as they make a choice. Since the inception of organized labor, employees who choose to have an election, have had the right to vote in private without any interaction with either their employer or organized labor representatives. So why the change after 60 years? There is a multitude of reasons.

At the forefront is the decreasing rates of organized labor across the country. In the construction industry, over 85% of the work is not being performed by "merit shop" contractors. In addition, over the past 30 years employers have recognized the value of their employees and how important they are to the success of the company. Hence, these employees now have benefit packages that include health insurance, 401K matching contributions, sick leave, vacation, and bonus programs designed for exceptional performances. The business community has changed from the "sweatshops" of the past.

Can you imagine voting for the Presidential candidate or elected officials sitting across from them or their representative in an open forum? This is exactly what EFCA will do for all employees who call for an election in respective companies across the country. The private ballot will be gone! Intimidation and coercion will rule again.

The business communities around the country are again being threatened by governmental bureaucrats who want to interfere with the "free enterprise system" without any knowledge of the facts.

The construction industry across the country has made great strides in the past 30 years. Our associations such as ABC (Associated Builders and Contractors) have assisted member firms in training and educational programs to improve our workforce. Work stoppage and strikers are a thing of the past. Our employees are able to be cross trained to increase their value to the company. Our teams are cohesive; field supervision and office personnel are aligned with company goals and objectives to deliver a better product for our clients.

We need everyone's support to stop this bill in Congress. Everyone needs to control their Congressman and clearly explain a vote in favor of this legislation will lead to their demise in the next election.