The federal legislation, called the Employee Free Choice Act, would simplify the process for workers who want to join together to improve their wages, benefits and working conditions. Under the proposal, workers could win union recognition by having a majority sign up.

On Friday, the Minnesota House will hear a resolution urging Congress to pass the legislation. The resolution, HF 554, says "the free choice to join with others and bargain for better wages and benefits is essential to economic opportunity and good living standards."

On Tuesday, Feb. 20, workers in Rochester will rally to support the federal legislation. The rally will start at 5:30 p.m. at the downtown Holiday Inn, 220 S. Broadway. Featured speaker will be new 1st District Congressman Tim Walz.

Currently, one of every five workers who tries to join a union is likely to be fired -- even though that\'s illegal. Employer intimidation, the use of anti-union consultants and government bureaucracy all pose barriers to organizing, proponents of the legislation say.

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For more information
Join a brown bag discussion Feb. 20 at the Minneapolis Labor Center