Dislaimer Bit: The majority of this entry was written off a piece I wrote for SEIU. The original is here. The other bit of disclaimer is that I am a staffer at SEIU.

One of the things a lot of us forget about the Employement Free Choice Act (EFCA) is that when a group of workers vote to unionize, the employer and the employees should reach a collective bargaining agreement with 90 days of the union's recognition. If that doesn't happen, the two sides will be referred to compulsory mediation, and if mediation fails, binding arbitration.

I'd been thinking a bit about EFCA today because earlier I wrote about a group of 428 hospital workers in Lynn, Masscusetts. The group voted for their union a little more than a year ago but it was only last week that they came to a collective bargaining agreement. Makes me wish EFCA was back on the radar!

Over the Labor Day weekend the Internet buzzed with union pride. Workers from every trade and sector signed on and wrote in about what being a union member meant to them and their families. A lot of this action took place on Facebook and Twitter -- but regardless, it was fantastic to see and hear from so many people.

It is following those public displays of union pride that make this story about the 428 workers ratifying their CBA so much sweeter than it is.
The workers approved a contract that includes wage increases for all the employees and the implementation of an innovative new training program to improve patient care and help members further their career paths and to return to college.

The 428 workers at the facility include Housekeepers, Transporters, Food Service Workers, Cooks, Catering Associates, Unit Techs, and Anesthesia Techs. Also covered are EEG Techs, Central Service Techs, Patient Service Reps, Unit Secretaries, Medical Interpreters, Mental Health Workers, Nursing Student Techs, Nursing Assistants and Certified Nurses Assistants.

Helping Workers Helps Local Economies

Many union activists often point out that when workers are paid a living wage that matches their local economy, everyone benefits - them, the workplace and the economy.

"We are united together so we can work together to continue providing quality care to our patients and improve the lives of our families," said Kwesi Jones, an Operating Room assistant. He said, "I love my daughter and I want to build a good life for her right here in Lynn. Having a good quality job makes a difference in our family and our city."

A separate group of workers at the hospital, including Registered Nurses and other professional titles, organized to join 1199SEIU many years prior to the service workers who ratified this first contract last week.

Congratulations to these new union sisters and brothers for standing up for a voice in the workplace to better their lives and the services of the facility.