Ads in The Hill, Politico, and Roll Call call on Congress to act on labor law reform

On the eve of the World Series, 12 of baseball's top names, all members of the Major League Baseball Players Association, are appearing in a new ad co-sponsored with the AFL-CIO urging passage of the Employee Free Choice Act.  The players – Heath Bell, Dave Bush, LaTroy Hawkins, Torii Hunter, John Lannan, Andrew Miller, J.J. Putz, Jimmy Rollins, Mark Teixeira, Justin Verlander, Shane Victorino and Adam Wainwright – have signed a statement  saying: 

              "all Americans should have the same opportunity we've had—to be able to join a union without being fired and to negotiate with their employers without being penalized.  Today, our country is facing some tough times.  Health care costs are skyrocketing.  Families are losing homes.  Savings and retirement income are disappearing overnight.  Now more than ever, we need a strong union movement to protect our jobs, our pensions, and our future.  The Employee Free Choice Act simply guarantees a level playing field for all workers.  It makes sure everyone plays by the same rules.  That's as important in the workplace as it is in baseball."  

The ad, running in The Hill, Roll Call, and Politico, pictures each of the players with his position and hometown on what looks like a baseball card.   

"Baseball is a defining American tradition.  And so is the freedom to bargain together for a better future," said AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka.  "In these troubling economic times, it's more important than ever for working people to have a fair shot at getting ahead—and unions are the best way to make sure everyone has that chance.  It's time to hit this one out of the park and pass the Employee Free Choice Act."  

"Unionization and collective bargaining have produced tremendous gains for generations of baseball players. All American workers should have a fair opportunity to decide whether to join together to bargain on an equal footing with their employer. That's what the Employee Free Choice Act provides," said Michael Weiner, the incoming Executive Director of the Major League Baseball Players Association.  

A critical piece of legislation pending before Congress, the Employee Free Choice Act would guarantee all workers the freedom to bargain collectively for fair wages and better benefits.  It holds corporations accountable by increasing penalties for those who break the law and ensures workers will get a contract by requiring a neutral third party to determine and enforce a fair agreement. 

Contact:  Zoe Bridges-Curry 202-637-5018