Fairness for Workers

If you think the middle class isn't under attack, then you need to watch this video:

Yesterday, I participated in an Oversight Committee hearing on the future of organized labor in America. Project Labor Agreements (PLAs) ensure that construction workers are paid good wages for the very dangerous work that they do. Republicans in Congress are trying to end PLAs -- meaning lower wages for workers who put their lives on the line every day.

Last month, Republicans offered an amendment to their job-killing budget that would've eliminated all funding to public construction sites with a PLA. Luckily, this amendment failed -- but it failed on a tie vote at 1:30 in the morning on a Saturday! A few Members missed the early morning vote, including four Republicans. This just means that Republicans will try to end PLAs again, and next time they might be successful.

Many important projects have been successfully completed on time and under budget thanks to PLAs, including the rebuilding of the I-35 W bridge that collapsed in Minneapolis.

Hard working Iowans and all middle class Americans deserve fair wages. That's why I defended PLAs at yesterday's hearing. And as a former construction worker and Chairman of the Populist Caucus, I will always fight for the middle class.

Crossposted from Bleeding Heartland

 

Follow Rep. Bruce Braley on Twitter: www.twitter.com/BruceBraley

Comments

[Kai-HK]

02:21 AM on 03/21/2011

Mr. Braley: What about 'Fairness for the Taxpayer'?

[Scott Hartman]

01:19 PM on 03/18/2011

Here is an example of a politician who is an absolute failure. After the floods in Cedar Rapids,ia you would have thought that a county (Linn) completly controlled by democrats would have had the Federal money flowing, but that has not been the case. Now when the city and county are forced to do ever wwhatever they can to save money Braley wants to whine about eliminating the PLAs. If he, Loebsack, Olsen and the rest had put forth the added effort we wouldnt be having this discussion.

[Genders]

11:46 PM on 03/17/2011

Americans are paid more than the Chinese. Why should they be?

[spinotter11]

10:26 AM on 03/18/2011

Ultimately, they will not be paid more than the Chinese and they should not be. But in the interim, we have to adjust.

[Genders]

03:49 PM on 03/18/2011

Ultimately the Chinese should be paid as much as we are, and it should be more than now.

[Tim McCown]

11:23 AM on 03/18/2011

Why don't you work for 35 cents an hour and see what you can buy.

[Genders]

08:56 PM on 03/18/2011

I agree. God help us if we come down to the Chinese slave and child labor conditions.

[tacevad]

10:45 PM on 03/17/2011

Thank you Congressman, Union and Proud with over 30 years in Construction.