Pennsylvania AFL-CIO Criticizes State Senate Passage of House Bill 874, the Anti-Union Organizing Measure That Represses Workers' Rights During Strikes and Organizing Campaigns

HARRISBURG, Pa., Oct. 21, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Pennsylvania AFL-CIO President Rick Bloomingdale and Secretary-Treasurer Frank Snyder criticized the passage of House Bill 874, another anti-union measure approved by the State Senate, 30-18, which represses constitutionally protected activities during strikes and during union organizing efforts.

Pennsylvania AFL-CIO President Rick Bloomingdale stated, "House Bill 874 is legislative overreach backed by conservative groups such as ALEC, the State Chamber, and billionaires, who are trying to stop workers from forming unions or exercising their right to strike for decent wages, benefits and safe jobs. There are already criminal laws that protect both employees and employers from criminal acts and behavior. This bill is so badly written that it opens the door to manipulations by either side during labor-management disputes, which will result in criminal prosecution of constitutionally protected activities. It is another example of a solution to a problem that doesn't exist."

Pennsylvania AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Frank Snyder stated, "Last week they approved legislation that silences our voices and represses our ability to advocate and lobby for policies that will expand our middle class. And, this week they pass legislation that attempts to silence our voices at the workplace. Instead of silencing our voices they should be raising their voices and passing legislation that raises wages, creates good jobs and expands our middle class. Stop the madness!  Start doing the job you were sent to Harrisburg for."

SOURCE Pennsylvania AFL-CIO