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A Labor Day Perspective: If Voters Were a Corporation ...

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Friday, August 30, 2013   

PORTLAND, Ore. – On this Labor Day weekend, an Oregon labor union is calling attention to what it says workers need to stay afloat in today's economy.

The Oregon AFL-CIO has released what it calls an Oregon Workers' SEC Report.

It's a takeoff on the forms that public companies are required to file with the Securities and Exchange Commission about how they're doing and who owns their stock.

These reports also contain details about the risks a company perceives to its growth or profitability.

Oregon AFL-CIO President Tom Chamberlain says what some companies describe as risks include paying higher wages and offering benefits.

"What they're looking for is profit,” he says. “More often than not, it's profit at the expense of workers, because let's face it, the cheaper workers will do a job, the more profit there is.

“They're concerned about safety standards and labor standards and the impact that will have on their bottom line."

The mock SEC form created by the union says the business of the typical Oregon worker is to be able to provide for a family. It describes a wish list of fair wages, benefits such as health insurance and paid sick leave, and the ability to plan for a secure retirement.

The document will be circulated at the traditional union picnics held over the Labor Day weekend.

Chamberlain notes that one feature of most Labor Day union gatherings are politicians who attend to shake some hands and say a few words. This time, he says, these politicians will be given a copy of the Oregon Workers' SEC Report.

"On Labor Day, everybody's a union's friend,” Chamberlain says. “You'll have governors and senators, and congressmen and local legislators – all are our friends at Labor Day.

“We want them to look at that and really understand where corporations are, and where average voters are."

One point made in the mock SEC form is that putting people to work rebuilding the nation's bridges, highways and railroads would help the economy in two ways – in terms of jobs as well as improving infrastructure.




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