On June 24th, a new rural coalition announced its support of the Employee Free Choice Act as an important step towards rebuilding the middle class: The Farmers & Ranchers for Employee Free Choice.
"Without better wages and working conditions that are offered through union membership, it's impossible for American workers in rural and urban areas to afford decent food, housing, or to create wealth in their communities," says Ralph Paige, Executive Director of the Federation of Southern Cooperatives / Land Assistance Fund. The coalition's Web site, RememberTheMiddleClass.com, includes a petition to Congress and a direct link for those who want to send a message to their U.S. Senator or Representative. An e-mail message campaign will help the coalition reach rural voters in states where Congressional support is critical.
Although overall support for the Employee Free Choice Act is growing, "there are some Senators who still say we can't afford the legislation because of our current economic mess," noted Niel Ritchie, Executive Director of the League of Rural Voters. "But they're missing the point. We see the Employee Free Choice Act as an economic stimulus package aimed directly at the middle class."