New Report to be released on Feb 19. to Show How Union Job Growth Will Aid CA Economic Recovery

As the national focus begins to shift from passage of the Economic Recovery Act to securing long-term solutions for re-building the middle class, a coalition of leading academics, religious leaders, and civil rights leaders will gather to advocate for the Employee Free Choice Act, which would give employees greater freedom to join a union.

The events will unveil a new report from the Center for American Progress detailing how allowing workers more freedom to form unions would benefit California workers - and our state's economy.

A growing body of evidence confirms there is a concrete benefit to the economy when workers are in a union. New research by the Economic Policy Institute estimates that if five million service sector workers--often in low-wage, no health benefit jobs--were permitted to form unions and receive the same wages and benefits as the unionized workers in their industries: $34 billion in total new wages would flow into the economy; and 900,000 jobs would be lifted above the poverty wage for a family of four ($10.22/hr).

In addition to community leaders and experts, workers who belong to unions and those who do not will share their experiences about the benefits of unionization and the current obstacles in the way of workers.

Similar events will be held in states across the nation, and in Washington, D.C. Coalition members will release a national report.

San Diego:
WHERE: Edward J. Schwartz Bldg, 880 Front Street
WHEN: 12 noon

San Jose:
WHERE: 2 San Jose City Hall , 200 East Santa Clara St
WHEN: 12 noon

Sacramento:
WHERE: Robert T. Matsui United States Courthouse, 501 I Street (5th and I)
WHEN: 11 a.m.

Santa Rosa:
WHERE: Santa Rosa, Sonoma County Administration Building, 575 Admin Drive
WHEN: 12 noon

NOTE TO REPORTERS: Union Or No Union: A game show where contestants choose whether they would be better off in a union. Visuals will include game show format, contestants, MC and signs.

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