Does America Need Labor Unions?’
In light of the recent debate over the Employee Free Choice Act, editors of Parade Magazine want to know: “Does America Still Need Labor Unions?” Vote “yes” for unions in the new online poll by Parade Magazine.

Without labor unions there would be no Social Security, Medicare, unemployment insurance or 40-hour workweeks. But pro-business groups like the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and other corporate organizations are filling the airwaves with a vigorous anti-union campaign, arguing against the Employee Free Choice Act and saying unions are no longer useful.

A recent report by the Economic Policy Institute shows the average family needs at least $48,778 to get by. Nearly a third of U.S. families fall short. Pensions are less secure today as most employers have shifted the risk of an adequate retirement benefit to employees. And, women have yet to catch up with their male counterparts in salary. Too many Americans are not making enough money to support themselves or their families, and many more are forced to go without health insurance and other necessary benefits.

Unions give workers a voice and the protection they need to stand strong against unfair wages, poor health care, and lack of job and retirement security. The U.S. Department of Labor reports union workers made an average of $10,140 more than non-union workers last year. The Employee Free Choice Act would allow workers to join unions without the fear of losing their job or other repercussions from their boss.