For Immediate Release


(Washington, Apr. 29) Veterans groups are joining the AFL-CIO Union Veterans Council in calling for the passage of labor law reform that gives workers back the freedom to form unions and bargain collectively for a better life. In a dozen states, VoteVets and the AFL-CIO Union Veterans Council are teaming up to host military veterans, family members, and union members for rallies, roundtable discussions, and mobilization events. At the events, they will discuss issues important to them during the economic crisis, including the passage of the Employee Free Choice Act, legislation that would fix broken labor laws and help create an economy that works for everyone.

"The freedom to organize is an American value, one of the many values we veterans fought to protect," said Jon Soltz, Iraq War Veteran, and Chairman of VoteVets.org.  "Past generations of veterans were able to enter the middle class because unions were there to fight for fair wages and benefits. The Employee Free Choice Act ensures that veterans and civilians in the workforce will continue to get a fair shake, which is why we're proud to support it."

At events nationwide, veterans will say that they are struggling in today’s economy and that all workers deserve the freedom to bargain with corporations for better wages and benefits. They will also talk about the process of forming a union - - as veterans, they signed their name to show their willingness to stand up for their country and as working people, they should have the same freedom when signing their name to join a union.

“I fought for my country and it’s not right that those of us who did are denied basic rights on the job and are just scraping by,” said Chris Lane of Richmond, Virginia. “When I signed my enlistment papers, my signature was my pledge to fight for freedom and the honor of my country.  If my signature was good enough for that, it should be good enough for my government to show that I want a union in my workplace.”  

“We veterans are dedicated to preserving the values for which veterans served, fought and died,” said Col. Richard Klass, USAF (retired), president of the Veterans Alliance for Security and Democracy (VETPAC). “Fairness is a fundamental American value and the current system is unfair to employees seeking to form a union.  We need to level the playing field for veterans and all others seeking to join together and bargain collectively.  For that we need the Employee Free Choice Act.”

The kick off event happens today in Norfolk, Virginia, with veterans across Virginia writing letters and calling Virginia Representatives. In the coming days, veterans from Arkansas, Pennsylvania, Nebraska, Indiana, Montana, Maine, Alaska, and other states will come together to call for passage of the Employee Free Choice Act.

“Veterans across the country are speaking up this week because they know like all working families that when the system is so skewed towards corporations, no one gets a fair shake,” said Mark Ayers, Chair of the AFL-CIO Union Veterans Council. “The Employee Free Choice Act gives all workers the freedom to bargain with corporations for better benefits and wages. In this economy, that’s all anyone can ask for.”

"Workers and their families, especially veterans, who have risked their lives to protect our freedom have earned the right to negotiate with corporations for better wages and increased benefits", said Matt Cary, President of Veterans and Military Families for Progress."VMFP is proud to join the AFL-CIO Union Veterans Council and the other Veterans Groups in securing the passage of the Employee Free Choice Act".