Virginia Small Businesses Mobilize in Support of the Employee Free Choice Act
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June 1, 2009
Blacksburg, VA - The Virginia Employment Commission projects that unemployment rates will rise this summer as more major manufacturers close and college graduates enter the job market. Figures released by the commission on May 29 show the state's unemployment rate held steady this spring, but twice as many workers are unemployed this year compared to last year at this time. Traditionally, April has the fewest job losses of any month all year, according to commission statistics.
The weak job market and falling wages have many small business owners across Virginia supporting federal legislation that would help employees join together to form a union. The Employee Free Choice Act currently before Congress would give workers the option of deciding to form a union, either through an election or by signing cards in support.
Many businesses oppose this legislation, saying unions increase payroll costs. But Blacksburg business owner Margaret Breslau argues that more money in people's pockets is good for her clothing store and other retailers.
"If you strengthen employees' rights to organize - the rights to a better wage and a better quality of living - you're going to support business as well, because that's where they're going to spend their money. You've got to have a strong commitment to workers if you want to grow and maintain small businesses."
Breslau has owned and operated her store, Homebody, on Blacksburg's Main Street for seven years. She adds that buying local goods and services does more than put money in retailer's pockets.
"Growing your community and maintaining your traditional downtown adds so much to the quality of life, and money goes back into the community that way. To me, it's a win-win situation."