Union members and labor supporters in Illinois rallied last night in support of the Employee Free Choice Act. Speakers at the event stressed the idea that a strong middle class could help the ailing economy ? and that forming unions to secure better wages and benefits is the key to creating that middle class. Attendees of the last night's rally, who included thousands of members of multiple unions throughout Illinois, believe the Employee Free Choice Act will strengthen union organizing efforts and make it easier for workers to form bargaining units. The Act would also increase penalties for employers who violate labor laws in attempts to halt union drives.
See "3,000 union members rally for bill to make organizing easier", Lisa Donovan, Chicago Sun Times, February 17, 2009