Workers Have A Right To Organize

Protesters join forces to kill Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker's bill during a rally at the Capital Building on February 18, 2011 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by Mark Hirsch/Getty Images)

Amnesty International USA is deeply concerned by Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker’s proposal to limit collective bargaining for most public employees to wages. If enacted, the Governor’s proposal would undermine the ability of unions in the public sector to protect workers, including by limiting workers’ ability to object to work conditions.

Under international law, all workers have a human right to organize and to bargain collectively. These rights are an essential foundation to the realization of other rights, and are enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families, as well as conventions adopted by the International Labor Organization.

Amnesty stands in solidarity with those seeking to defend collective bargaining rights anywhere these rights are threatened, and we urge Governor Walker and Wisconsin legislators to protect workers’ rights by rejecting any attempt to limit collective bargaining. We further call on the Governor to respect the right to peaceful protest and ensure that protesters are not intimidated or subjected to unnecessary or excessive force.

AIUSA welcomes a lively and courteous discussion that follow our Community Guidelines. Comments are not pre-screened before they post but AIUSA reserves the right to remove any comments violating our guidelines.

84 thoughts on “Workers Have A Right To Organize

  1. I manage the web site for the League of Women Voters of Milwaukee County and have been posting current rally information, actions around the state, video clips from MSNBC, and other current information like the support from churches all over the state. http://lwvmilwaukee.org
    It's a good place to go to find out what is happening. Amnesty is right on. Power on one side and not the other creates terrible conditions in a democracy.

  2. Fair enough, but unions have no right to force workers to join, or to force the government to collect the union dues in the workers' paychecks. Public employees have no right to bankrupt the public that they supposedly serve.

  3. I manage the web site for the League of Women Voters of Milwaukee County and have been posting current rally information, actions around the state, video clips from MSNBC, and other current information like the support from churches all over the state. http://lwvmilwaukee.org
    It's a good place to go to find out what is happening. Amnesty is right on. Power on one side and not the other creates terrible conditions in a democracy.

  4. I manage the web site for the League of Women Voters of Milwaukee County and have been posting current rally information, actions around the state, video clips from MSNBC, and other current information like the support from churches all over the state. http://lwvmilwaukee.org
    It's a good place to go to find out what is happening. Amnesty is right on. Power on one side and not the other creates terrible conditions in a democracy.

  5. Collective bargaining is a human right of all workers. It is a question of workers' freedom of association in and of itself, as well as a method to secure other human rights. All workers have a moral obligation to collectively bargain, to ensure that their voice is heard and so that dignity may be protected at each workplace. We do not allow workers to "opt-out" of minimum wage laws, to sell themselves as slaves, or to sell their right to vote. Yes, ALL workers should be obligated as a condition of employment to participate in the process of collective bargaining.

  6. Fair enough, but unions have no right to force workers to join, or to force the government to collect the union dues in the workers’ paychecks. Public employees have no right to bankrupt the public that they supposedly serve.

  7. I manage the web site for the League of Women Voters of Milwaukee County and have been posting current rally information, actions around the state, video clips from MSNBC, and other current information like the support from churches all over the state. http://lwvmilwaukee.org
    It’s a good place to go to find out what is happening. Amnesty is right on. Power on one side and not the other creates terrible conditions in a democracy.

  8. Collective bargaining is a human right of all workers. It is a question of workers’ freedom of association in and of itself, as well as a method to secure other human rights. All workers have a moral obligation to collectively bargain, to ensure that their voice is heard and so that dignity may be protected at each workplace. We do not allow workers to “opt-out” of minimum wage laws, to sell themselves as slaves, or to sell their right to vote. Yes, ALL workers should be obligated as a condition of employment to participate in the process of collective bargaining.

  9. This is not a battle free Americans can afford to loose. Thank You for your attention.

  10. This is not a battle free Americans CAN'T afford to loose. Thank You for your attention.

  11. This is not a battle free Americans CAN’T afford to loose. Thank You for your attention.

  12. Wisconsin teacher here. Thank you A-I. And we continue to say that we will pay more of our contributions. Scooter turned us down. It is WAY bigger than money.

  13. As ever, I am proud to be a member of Amnesty International and serve on the board of directors of AI USA. This is a crucial battle and it is critical that other human rights organizations join Amnesty in supporting labor and human rights in Wisconsin.

  14. Wisconsin teacher here. Thank you A-I. And we continue to say that we will pay more of our contributions. Scooter turned us down. It is WAY bigger than money.

  15. As ever, I am proud to be a member of Amnesty International and serve on the board of directors of AI USA. This is a crucial battle and it is critical that other human rights organizations join Amnesty in supporting labor and human rights in Wisconsin.

  16. All workers should have the right to protest. I agree with these activists who are pushing to keep their rights in Wisconsin. If the labor unions are broken by the Governors of the Republican states, the future of this country is indeed going to be dark. Democratic supporters are based in labor and the working population. If they have no voice, the "Haves" will take over making all the laws, win the elections and govern the people who have to work for a living. They'll take away funding for education, health care and any subsistance assistance. We'll be back in the "Robber Baron" era. God forbid!!! Our country will be like China or North Korea's

  17. All workers should have the right to protest. I agree with these activists who are pushing to keep their rights in Wisconsin. If the labor unions are broken by the Governors of the Republican states, the future of this country is indeed going to be dark. Democratic supporters are based in labor and the working population. If they have no voice, the “Haves” will take over making all the laws, win the elections and govern the people who have to work for a living. They’ll take away funding for education, health care and any subsistance assistance. We’ll be back in the “Robber Baron” era. God forbid!!! Our country will be like China or North Korea’s

  18. Workers rights are Human rights! Indivisible, inalienable, non-partisan and non-political! This is the foundation of the middle class in our country! The unions reps in Wisconsin have offered to bargain with the governor, they will simply not give up their power to do this, as he insists! We must stand with Wisconsin! I do!

  19. Yea for taking on economic, social, and cultural rights! It's a very tough journey, but someone's gotta do it. 2.5 M Amnesty members should be up to the challenge. Looking forward to talking about this more in San Francisco….

  20. Workers rights are Human rights! Indivisible, inalienable, non-partisan and non-political! This is the foundation of the middle class in our country! The unions reps in Wisconsin have offered to bargain with the governor, they will simply not give up their power to do this, as he insists! We must stand with Wisconsin! I do!

  21. Workers have a right to organize… says your title. Do they also have the right to opt out of union? Or is that not a "human right"????? Very disingenuous of you AI and so many others how this debate is being framed.
    I for one support the Wisc Gov – as does the majority of Wisc electorate.

  22. Yea for taking on economic, social, and cultural rights! It’s a very tough journey, but someone’s gotta do it. 2.5 M Amnesty members should be up to the challenge. Looking forward to talking about this more in San Francisco….

  23. Workers have a right to organize… says your title. Do they also have the right to opt out of union? Or is that not a “human right”????? Very disingenuous of you AI and so many others how this debate is being framed.
    I for one support the Wisc Gov – as does the majority of Wisc electorate.

  24. Under international law, all workers have a human right to organize and to bargain collectively. Because this can lead them into the next steps of their struggle justice !!

  25. Under international law, all workers have a human right to organize and to bargain collectively. Because this can lead them into the next steps of their struggle justice !!

  26. Brian – You must be a company suck ass! Or is it that you just don't have any self respect? What you are saying is that you don't care if your employer decides to cut your wages and require you to work more hours without overtime or appropriate compensation. Maybe you don't care if your employer can 'choose' not to ensure your workplace is safe? Who's side are you on anyway? How about if we have less skilled/trained teachers, plumbers, electricians…you get what you pay for!!! You are part of the problem. I don't know how you sleep at night….

  27. So good to hear this once more. Workers rights are human rights.
    I'm a proud state worker and member of the Texas State Employees Union/CWA. Even though it's "illegal" for state workers to bargain collectively in Texas, we do have payroll deduction and the right to organize. Don't let them put you behind Texas (strange as it sounds). We're with you Wisconsin!

  28. Brian – You must be a company suck ass! Or is it that you just don’t have any self respect? What you are saying is that you don’t care if your employer decides to cut your wages and require you to work more hours without overtime or appropriate compensation. Maybe you don’t care if your employer can ‘choose’ not to ensure your workplace is safe? Who’s side are you on anyway? How about if we have less skilled/trained teachers, plumbers, electricians…you get what you pay for!!! You are part of the problem. I don’t know how you sleep at night….

  29. No need to act like a third grader and name call Barb. Though that is pretty typical… And you didnt even answer the question… Is opting OUT of a union a human right? Cause public employees in wisc for example don't have that choice. Forced union membership and dues. I sleep at night very well. Employees of right to work states are doing just fine and my Nation is wide awake to what ails it. Sweet dreams.

  30. So good to hear this once more. Workers rights are human rights.
    I’m a proud state worker and member of the Texas State Employees Union/CWA. Even though it’s “illegal” for state workers to bargain collectively in Texas, we do have payroll deduction and the right to organize. Don’t let them put you behind Texas (strange as it sounds). We’re with you Wisconsin!

  31. No need to act like a third grader and name call Barb. Though that is pretty typical… And you didnt even answer the question… Is opting OUT of a union a human right? Cause public employees in wisc for example don’t have that choice. Forced union membership and dues. I sleep at night very well. Employees of right to work states are doing just fine and my Nation is wide awake to what ails it. Sweet dreams.

  32. Dear Editors-

    You got called out. No one has an answer to Brian's question?

    Should individual public employees have the human right to opt out of union membership? Or do you not consider that personal choice to be a human right? As a condition of employment – union membership and dues are "DICTATED". Hmmm… last few weeks have been rough on DICTATORS.

    Disingenuous indeed.

  33. Dear Editors-

    You got called out. No one has an answer to Brian’s question?

    Should individual public employees have the human right to opt out of union membership? Or do you not consider that personal choice to be a human right? As a condition of employment – union membership and dues are “DICTATED”. Hmmm… last few weeks have been rough on DICTATORS.

    Disingenuous indeed.

  34. Amnesty International fully respects the rights of all its staff to be represented by a union, whether they are based in London or outside. There is no intention to derecognise the union.

  35. Amnesty International fully respects the rights of all its staff to be represented by a union, whether they are based in London or outside. There is no intention to derecognise the union.

  36. Why doesnt anyone answer rather than just vote the thumbs down? No "pro-choice" when it comes to mandatory union membership? No "human right" to decide for oneself? Hmmmm???

  37. Why doesnt anyone answer rather than just vote the thumbs down? No “pro-choice” when it comes to mandatory union membership? No “human right” to decide for oneself? Hmmmm???

  38. How will 'workers' and AI supporters react when they learn that AI has secretly paid over £800,000 in hidden exit bonuses to Irene Khan (head) and Kate Gilmore (deputy head).

    £800,000 = $1.3 million = Euro 950,000 (not bad, eh?)
    http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1358537/R

    A small tank to collect and store clean water (in Africa) costs about $300 and will serve 15-20 people. So, with the payout they gave to Irene & Kate, AI could've purchased 4300 clean water tanks and served 86,000 people with life-saving water.

    I'm not sure whose worse – slimy bankers or Irene and Kate? On balance, Irene and Kate, as the bankers never pretended to be interested in anyone but themselves.

    AI has this to say about 'Global Poverty' http://report2009.amnesty.org/en/global-themes/de

    p.s. anyone know where I can apply for the post of AI Chief Executive? If Irene Khan could do it, it can't be that difficult.

  39. How will 'workers' and AI supporters react when they learn that AI has secretly paid over £800,000 in hidden exit bonuses to Irene Khan (head) and Kate Gilmore (deputy head).

    £800,000 = $1.3 million = Euro 950,000 (not bad, eh?)
    http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1358537/R

    A small tank to collect and store clean water (in Africa) costs about $300 and will serve 15-20 people. So, with the payout they gave to Irene & Kate, AI could've purchased 4300 clean water tanks and served 86,000 people with life-saving water.

    I'm not sure whose worse – slimy bankers or Irene and Kate? On balance, Irene and Kate, as the bankers never pretended to be interested in anyone but themselves.

    AI has this to say about 'Global Poverty' http://report2009.amnesty.org/en/global-themes/de

    p.s. anyone know where I can apply for the post of AI Chief Executive? If Irene Khan could do it, it can't be that difficult.

  40. How will 'workers' and AI supporters react when they learn that AI has secretly paid over £800,000 in hidden exit bonuses to Irene Khan (head) and Kate Gilmore (deputy head).

    £800,000 = $1.3 million = Euro 950,000 (not bad, eh?)
    http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1358537/R

    A small tank to collect and store clean water (in Africa) costs about $300 and will serve 15-20 people. So, with the payout they gave to Irene & Kate, AI could've purchased 4300 clean water tanks and served 86,000 people with life-saving water.

    I'm not sure whose worse – slimy bankers or Irene and Kate? On balance, Irene and Kate, as the bankers never pretended to be interested in anyone but themselves.

    AI has this to say about 'Global Poverty' http://report2009.amnesty.org/en/global-themes/de

    p.s. anyone know where I can apply for the post of AI Chief Executive? If Irene Khan could do it, it can't be that difficult.

  41. How will ‘workers’ and AI supporters react when they learn that AI has secretly paid over £800,000 in hidden exit bonuses to Irene Khan (head) and Kate Gilmore (deputy head).

    £800,000 = $1.3 million = Euro 950,000 (not bad, eh?)

    http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1358537/Revealed-Amnesty-Internationals-800-000-pay-offs-bosses.html?ito=feeds-newsxml

    A small tank to collect and store clean water (in Africa) costs about $300 and will serve 15-20 people. So, with the payout they gave to Irene & Kate, AI could’ve purchased 4300 clean water tanks and served 86,000 people with life-saving water.

    I’m not sure whose worse – slimy bankers or Irene and Kate? On balance, Irene and Kate, as the bankers never pretended to be interested in anyone but themselves.

    AI has this to say about ‘Global Poverty’
    http://report2009.amnesty.org/en/global-themes/demand-dignity

    p.s. anyone know where I can apply for the post of AI Chief Executive? If Irene Khan could do it, it can’t be that difficult.

  42. Brian's rhetorical "question" doesn't DESERVE a reply.

    The people are not standing in the freezing cold in wisconsin to debate a rhetoric question.

    They are there to FINALLY stand up & fight back for their OWN rights … their OWN lives… their own CONCRETE questions.

    The 26 million people who can't find stable employment in america wouldn't be where they are today if the corporations hadn't corroded & destroyed the american workers' power & right to organize for themselves.

    While the likes of Brian sleep soundly, the People in wisconsin are awake.

  43. Brian’s rhetorical “question” doesn’t DESERVE a reply.

    The people are not standing in the freezing cold in wisconsin to debate a rhetoric question.

    They are there to FINALLY stand up & fight back for their OWN rights … their OWN lives… their own CONCRETE questions.

    The 26 million people who can’t find stable employment in america wouldn’t be where they are today if the corporations hadn’t corroded & destroyed the american workers’ power & right to organize for themselves.

    While the likes of Brian sleep soundly, the People in wisconsin are awake.

  44. So Mr. Savage-

    Are the people who are fleeing to Right-To-Work states "asleep"? The states with lower unemployment, lower state taxes, lower debt, and stronger economies? Are these people asleep?

    Wasn't there just an election in Wisc. in November? Didn't the people vote? Or were all these people popping up in Wisc. asleep then? Or could it be the majority of the people waving Mubarek equals Walker signs just got off a bus from some other state?

    I guess one of there OWN rights they are not fighting for is the right to choose whether to join a union or not? Mandatory membership and dues to union? That is what they are fighting for – not leaving it up to individuals to choose for themselves.

    Not rhetorical at all. It is the key issue.

  45. So Mr. Savage-

    Are the people who are fleeing to Right-To-Work states “asleep”? The states with lower unemployment, lower state taxes, lower debt, and stronger economies? Are these people asleep?

    Wasn’t there just an election in Wisc. in November? Didn’t the people vote? Or were all these people popping up in Wisc. asleep then? Or could it be the majority of the people waving Mubarek equals Walker signs just got off a bus from some other state?

    I guess one of there OWN rights they are not fighting for is the right to choose whether to join a union or not? Mandatory membership and dues to union? That is what they are fighting for – not leaving it up to individuals to choose for themselves.

    Not rhetorical at all. It is the key issue.

  46. Just as I expected. A "human rights" organization that twists this issue and ignores individuals freedom to decide for themselves concerning union membership and dues. Hypocrites.

  47. Definitely, dear Brian,

    your anger at unions has a social base.

    The Right has divided employees, turning a section of private employees against public employees as a safety valve for their rage at the economic situation.

    Unorganized private employees are encouraged to resent organized public employees for enjoying their union protected rights.

    Who's asleep here, who awake ?

    The struggling people in Wis were awake when their unions weren't.

    They dragged their half asleep leaders onto the streets.

    The unions followed the people.

    The people decided the movement.

    & they got more support than they'd dreamed of.

    The schoolteachers were joined by the students.

    They in turn were joined by the police & the firefighters.

    Police bringing coffee to the struggling students .. an unthinkable scenario anywhere !

    Despite the billionaire Koch brothers' outpouring of money in Walker's support, they could round up only a few thousand Tea Partiers compared to the 60,000 people mobilized by the struggle at its height.

    Are we awake at any moment in history ? That's determined by whether we are aware of what's really at stake.

    It's no coincidence, Brian, that the bonfire of people's rights & the slashing of their benefits continuing across an evermore wealthier corporate america today are paralleled by impoverishment & social deterioration at all levels.

    For rights accompany peformance everywhere.

    Schoolteachers perform finest when they're organized for their rights & when their rights are protected by their unions.

    Wisconsin's unionized teachers rank at the very top in US educational performance … while unionless teacher states like S Carolina & Texas are right at the bottom in education.

    Corrode your teachers' right to organize & collectively bargain for themselves, & you will see the resulting rot & ruin in your schools as in the most depressed states of the South.

    Treasure what you have now.

    Preserve it.

  48. Just as I expected. A “human rights” organization that twists this issue and ignores individuals freedom to decide for themselves concerning union membership and dues. Hypocrites.

  49. Definitely, dear Brian,

    your anger at unions has a social base.

    The Right has divided employees, turning a section of private employees against public employees as a safety valve for their rage at the economic situation.

    Unorganized private employees are encouraged to resent organized public employees for enjoying their union protected rights.

    Who’s asleep here, who awake ?

    The struggling people in Wis were awake when their unions weren’t.

    They dragged their half asleep leaders onto the streets.

    The unions followed the people.

    The people decided the movement.

    & they got more support than they’d dreamed of.

    The schoolteachers were joined by the students.

    They in turn were joined by the police & the firefighters.

    Police bringing coffee to the struggling students .. an unthinkable scenario anywhere !

    Despite the billionaire Koch brothers’ outpouring of money in Walker’s support, they could round up only a few thousand Tea Partiers compared to the 60,000 people mobilized by the struggle at its height.

    Are we awake at any moment in history ? That’s determined by whether we are aware of what’s really at stake.

    It’s no coincidence, Brian, that the bonfire of people’s rights & the slashing of their benefits continuing across an evermore wealthier corporate america today are paralleled by impoverishment & social deterioration at all levels.

    For rights accompany peformance everywhere.

    Schoolteachers perform finest when they’re organized for their rights & when their rights are protected by their unions.

    Wisconsin’s unionized teachers rank at the very top in US educational performance … while unionless teacher states like S Carolina & Texas are right at the bottom in education.

    Corrode your teachers’ right to organize & collectively bargain for themselves, & you will see the resulting rot & ruin in your schools as in the most depressed states of the South.

    Treasure what you have now.

    Preserve it.

  50. Very eloquent. So…is the option to drop out of union and refuse to pay dues to the cause a human right? Yes or no?

  51. Very eloquent. So…is the option to drop out of union and refuse to pay dues to the cause a human right? Yes or no?

  52. Unions can be either "open shop" or "closed shop." In an open shop, you can choose whether to join the union, or not. In a closed shop, you must join the union, part of the working conditions. Generally, these options, "open" or "closed" are negotiated with management when the workers initially organize.

  53. Unions can be either “open shop” or “closed shop.” In an open shop, you can choose whether to join the union, or not. In a closed shop, you must join the union, part of the working conditions. Generally, these options, “open” or “closed” are negotiated with management when the workers initially organize.

  54. So why are Democrats taking away human rights by trying to force workers to vote publicly on union membership (in the ironically named "Employee Free Choice Act")?

    Isn't a private vote also a human right?

  55. So why are Democrats taking away human rights by trying to force workers to vote publicly on union membership (in the ironically named “Employee Free Choice Act”)?

    Isn’t a private vote also a human right?

  56. Dan – everything you said is correct.
    Currently Wisc Public Employees are "closed" and union membership is a condition of employment. There is no negotiating and this is the biggest issue being fought. Paying for health insurance and kicking a portion in for your own retirement were quick concessions – the real fight the UNION stands for is making membership and dues mandatory for all Wisc Public Employees.

  57. Dan – everything you said is correct.
    Currently Wisc Public Employees are “closed” and union membership is a condition of employment. There is no negotiating and this is the biggest issue being fought. Paying for health insurance and kicking a portion in for your own retirement were quick concessions – the real fight the UNION stands for is making membership and dues mandatory for all Wisc Public Employees.

  58. Flyer march 20, 2011
    THERE IS PLENTY OF MONEY IN THE U.S. FOR HUMAN NEEDS

    *In 1973, the average U.S. CEO was paid $27 for every dollar paid to a typical worker; by 2007 that ratio had grown to $275 to $1.

    *In fact, a CEO earns more in one workday than an average worker earns in 52 weeks.

    *The 500 largest U.S. companies cut a record 821,000 jobs in 2009 while their collective profits increased to a record
    $391 billion.

    *The wars in Iraq and Afghanistan cost the average American family of four almost $13,000 last year.

    *If middle and upper-middle class families had kept the same share of American productivity that they held in 1980, they would make an average of $12,500 more per year and the richest 1% among us would earn $1 trillion less per year.

    *From 1992 to 2007, the average tax rate on the richest 400
    taxpayers in the US dropped from 26.38% to 16.62%.

    *48% of federal income taxes in 2011 will be used for present and past military purposes.

    *It is estimated that the Iraq War will cost U.S. taxpayers
    $3 trillion.

    *Visit testimony by war veteran Mike Prysner:
    http://www.youtube.com:80/watch?v=akm3nYN8aG8

    James A Lucas For references contact: [email protected]
    Not copyrighted Distribute widely 3/29/11

    Flyer march 20, 2011

    SOURCES FOR
    “THERE IS PLENTY OF MONEY
    IN THE U.S. FOR HUMAN NEEDS”

    In 1973…
    Bill Quigley, “Socialism? What a Joke! The Rich Are Winning the US Class War: Facts Show Rich Getting Richer, Everyone Else Poorer,” October 25, 2010. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/bill-quigley/social

    In fact…
    Kamal Taha, “CEOs Earn 262 Times Pay of Average Worker.” Common Dream, June 22, 2006. http://www.commondreams.org/headlines06/0622-07.h

    The 500…
    Paul Buchheit, “The Big Obscenity: A Trillion Dollars a Year to the Richest 1%,” January 20, 2011. http://www.commondreams.org/view/2011/01/20

    The wars…
    John Nichols, “America's Not Broke, Wisconsin's Not Broke; We're Just Wasting Money on War,” The Nation, March 18, 2011. http://www.commondreams.org/view/2011/03/18-14

    If middle…
    Paul Buchheit, “The Big Obscenity: A Trillion Dollars a Year to the Richest 1%,” January 20, 2011. http://www.commondreams.org/view/2011/01/20

    Since 1992… US Internal Revenue Service, http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-soi/07intop400.pdf
    Bill Quigley, “Socialism? What a Joke! The Rich Are Winning the US Class War: Facts Show Rich Getting Richer, Everyone Else Poorer,” October 25, 2010. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/bill-quigley/social

    48% of…
    Flyer: “Where Your Income Tax Money Really Goes” War Resisters League, 2011.

    It is estimated…
    Dave Davies, “Joseph Stiglitz on Our 'Three Trillion Dollar War” March 3, 2008. http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?stor

  59. Flyer march 20, 2011
    THERE IS PLENTY OF MONEY IN THE U.S. FOR HUMAN NEEDS

    *In 1973, the average U.S. CEO was paid $27 for every dollar paid to a typical worker; by 2007 that ratio had grown to $275 to $1.

    *In fact, a CEO earns more in one workday than an average worker earns in 52 weeks.

    *The 500 largest U.S. companies cut a record 821,000 jobs in 2009 while their collective profits increased to a record
    $391 billion.

    *The wars in Iraq and Afghanistan cost the average American family of four almost $13,000 last year.

    *If middle and upper-middle class families had kept the same share of American productivity that they held in 1980, they would make an average of $12,500 more per year and the richest 1% among us would earn $1 trillion less per year.

    *From 1992 to 2007, the average tax rate on the richest 400
    taxpayers in the US dropped from 26.38% to 16.62%.

    *48% of federal income taxes in 2011 will be used for present and past military purposes.

    *It is estimated that the Iraq War will cost U.S. taxpayers
    $3 trillion.

    *Visit testimony by war veteran Mike Prysner:
    http://www.youtube.com:80/watch?v=akm3nYN8aG8

    James A Lucas For references contact: [email protected]
    Not copyrighted Distribute widely 3/29/11

    Flyer march 20, 2011

    SOURCES FOR
    “THERE IS PLENTY OF MONEY
    IN THE U.S. FOR HUMAN NEEDS”

    In 1973…
    Bill Quigley, “Socialism? What a Joke! The Rich Are Winning the US Class War: Facts Show Rich Getting Richer, Everyone Else Poorer,” October 25, 2010. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/bill-quigley/social

    In fact…
    Kamal Taha, “CEOs Earn 262 Times Pay of Average Worker.” Common Dream, June 22, 2006. http://www.commondreams.org/headlines06/0622-07.h

    The 500…
    Paul Buchheit, “The Big Obscenity: A Trillion Dollars a Year to the Richest 1%,” January 20, 2011. http://www.commondreams.org/view/2011/01/20

    The wars…
    John Nichols, “America's Not Broke, Wisconsin's Not Broke; We're Just Wasting Money on War,” The Nation, March 18, 2011. http://www.commondreams.org/view/2011/03/18-14

    If middle…
    Paul Buchheit, “The Big Obscenity: A Trillion Dollars a Year to the Richest 1%,” January 20, 2011. http://www.commondreams.org/view/2011/01/20

    Since 1992… US Internal Revenue Service, http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-soi/07intop400.pdf
    Bill Quigley, “Socialism? What a Joke! The Rich Are Winning the US Class War: Facts Show Rich Getting Richer, Everyone Else Poorer,” October 25, 2010. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/bill-quigley/social

    48% of…
    Flyer: “Where Your Income Tax Money Really Goes” War Resisters League, 2011.

    It is estimated…
    Dave Davies, “Joseph Stiglitz on Our 'Three Trillion Dollar War” March 3, 2008. http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?stor

  60. Flyer march 20, 2011
    THERE IS PLENTY OF MONEY IN THE U.S. FOR HUMAN NEEDS

    *In 1973, the average U.S. CEO was paid $27 for every dollar paid to a typical worker; by 2007 that ratio had grown to $275 to $1.

    *In fact, a CEO earns more in one workday than an average worker earns in 52 weeks.

    *The 500 largest U.S. companies cut a record 821,000 jobs in 2009 while their collective profits increased to a record
    $391 billion.

    *The wars in Iraq and Afghanistan cost the average American family of four almost $13,000 last year.

    *If middle and upper-middle class families had kept the same share of American productivity that they held in 1980, they would make an average of $12,500 more per year and the richest 1% among us would earn $1 trillion less per year.

    *From 1992 to 2007, the average tax rate on the richest 400
    taxpayers in the US dropped from 26.38% to 16.62%.

    *48% of federal income taxes in 2011 will be used for present and past military purposes.

    *It is estimated that the Iraq War will cost U.S. taxpayers
    $3 trillion.

    *Visit testimony by war veteran Mike Prysner:
    http://www.youtube.com:80/watch?v=akm3nYN8aG8

    James A Lucas For references contact: [email protected]
    Not copyrighted Distribute widely 3/29/11

    Flyer march 20, 2011

    SOURCES FOR
    “THERE IS PLENTY OF MONEY
    IN THE U.S. FOR HUMAN NEEDS”

    In 1973…
    Bill Quigley, “Socialism? What a Joke! The Rich Are Winning the US Class War: Facts Show Rich Getting Richer, Everyone Else Poorer,” October 25, 2010. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/bill-quigley/social

    In fact…
    Kamal Taha, “CEOs Earn 262 Times Pay of Average Worker.” Common Dream, June 22, 2006. http://www.commondreams.org/headlines06/0622-07.h

    The 500…
    Paul Buchheit, “The Big Obscenity: A Trillion Dollars a Year to the Richest 1%,” January 20, 2011. http://www.commondreams.org/view/2011/01/20

    The wars…
    John Nichols, “America's Not Broke, Wisconsin's Not Broke; We're Just Wasting Money on War,” The Nation, March 18, 2011. http://www.commondreams.org/view/2011/03/18-14

    If middle…
    Paul Buchheit, “The Big Obscenity: A Trillion Dollars a Year to the Richest 1%,” January 20, 2011. http://www.commondreams.org/view/2011/01/20

    Since 1992… US Internal Revenue Service, http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-soi/07intop400.pdf
    Bill Quigley, “Socialism? What a Joke! The Rich Are Winning the US Class War: Facts Show Rich Getting Richer, Everyone Else Poorer,” October 25, 2010. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/bill-quigley/social

    48% of…
    Flyer: “Where Your Income Tax Money Really Goes” War Resisters League, 2011.

    It is estimated…
    Dave Davies, “Joseph Stiglitz on Our 'Three Trillion Dollar War” March 3, 2008. http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?stor

  61. Flyer march 20, 2011
    THERE IS PLENTY OF MONEY IN THE U.S. FOR HUMAN NEEDS

    *In 1973, the average U.S. CEO was paid $27 for every dollar paid to a typical worker; by 2007 that ratio had grown to $275 to $1.

    *In fact, a CEO earns more in one workday than an average worker earns in 52 weeks.

    *The 500 largest U.S. companies cut a record 821,000 jobs in 2009 while their collective profits increased to a record
    $391 billion.

    *The wars in Iraq and Afghanistan cost the average American family of four almost $13,000 last year.

    *If middle and upper-middle class families had kept the same share of American productivity that they held in 1980, they would make an average of $12,500 more per year and the richest 1% among us would earn $1 trillion less per year.

    *From 1992 to 2007, the average tax rate on the richest 400
    taxpayers in the US dropped from 26.38% to 16.62%.

    *48% of federal income taxes in 2011 will be used for present and past military purposes.

    *It is estimated that the Iraq War will cost U.S. taxpayers
    $3 trillion.

    *Visit testimony by war veteran Mike Prysner:
    http://www.youtube.com:80/watch?v=akm3nYN8aG8

    James A Lucas For references contact: [email protected]
    Not copyrighted Distribute widely 3/29/11

    Flyer march 20, 2011

    SOURCES FOR
    “THERE IS PLENTY OF MONEY
    IN THE U.S. FOR HUMAN NEEDS”

    In 1973…
    Bill Quigley, “Socialism? What a Joke! The Rich Are Winning the US Class War: Facts Show Rich Getting Richer, Everyone Else Poorer,” October 25, 2010.
    http://www.huffingtonpost.com/bill-quigley/socialism-what-a-joke-the_b_773260.html?view=print

    In fact…
    Kamal Taha, “CEOs Earn 262 Times Pay of Average Worker.” Common Dream, June 22, 2006. http://www.commondreams.org/headlines06/0622-07.htm

    The 500…
    Paul Buchheit, “The Big Obscenity: A Trillion Dollars a Year to the Richest 1%,” January 20, 2011. http://www.commondreams.org/view/2011/01/20

    The wars…
    John Nichols, “America’s Not Broke, Wisconsin’s Not Broke; We’re Just Wasting Money on War,” The Nation, March 18, 2011. http://www.commondreams.org/view/2011/03/18-14

    If middle…
    Paul Buchheit, “The Big Obscenity: A Trillion Dollars a Year to the Richest 1%,” January 20, 2011. http://www.commondreams.org/view/2011/01/20

    Since 1992… US Internal Revenue Service, http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-soi/07intop400.pdf
    Bill Quigley, “Socialism? What a Joke! The Rich Are Winning the US Class War: Facts Show Rich Getting Richer, Everyone Else Poorer,” October 25, 2010.
    http://www.huffingtonpost.com/bill-quigley/socialism-what-a-joke-the_b_773260.html?view=print

    48% of…
    Flyer: “Where Your Income Tax Money Really Goes” War Resisters League, 2011.

    It is estimated…
    Dave Davies, “Joseph Stiglitz on Our ‘Three Trillion Dollar War” March 3, 2008. http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=87801279

Comments are closed.