AFL-CIO Chief: Rescind AIG Bonuses

[Omaha Steve]

http://hotlineoncall.nationaljournal.com/archives/2009/03/aflcio_chief_on.php

March 18, 2009 10:11 AM

AFL-CIO John Sweeney released a statement this a.m. using the AIG bonus debacle to push for "card check" legislation, which will make it easier for unions to organize. This is Sweeney's first comment advising his support for efforts to rescind all AIG money that was dedicated to bonuses:

These outrageous bonuses are yet another example of an economy that has become fundamentally imbalanced...and why we need the Employee Free Choice Act.

As America's workers are losing their jobs, their homes, and their benefits it is unconscionable that AIG executives - who tanked their own company and the economy - are taking millions of dollars in bonuses from those same worker's tax dollars.

We fully support the efforts to take these bonuses back and return the money to America's tax payers.

Any argument that these bonuses "must be" paid because of contracts rings hollow with America's workers who have had to re-negotiate their contracts, salaries, and benefits during these tough economic times.

These outrageous bonuses are yet another example of an economy that has become fundamentally imbalanced. All of the power is concentrated in the hands of the very few at the very top and the gap between CEOs' and workers' pay continues to grow. That is why we need to pass the Employee Free Choice Act.

Passing the Employee Free Choice Act will allow workers to have a voice at work, lift their standard of living and build stronger communities as well as stronger families. The bill will allow workers to form a union if a majority indicates in writing that they want one, taking away the right of corporations to demand a ballot election they can readily manipulate. Workers can also choose a ballot election if they prefer - but it will be their choice, not their company's.

[TBF]

1. K&R n/t