Sen. Clinton talks with the RWDSU about workers' rights
RWDSU President Stuart Appelbaum (left),
RWDSU Representative Roger Grobstich
and Senator Clinton on the campaign trail in Iowa.
Most Americans know Hillary Clinton as a former First Lady and United States Senator, but the RWDSU also knows her as a strong voice for working families. In this unprecedented interview, the RWDSU Record asked Sen. Clinton about her positions on many of the top concerns facing workers, their families and unions. Her answers say much about her and the perspective she would bring to the White House if she wins the Democratic Party's nomination and is elected President next November.
In recent years many elected officials seem to have forgotten the importance of unions. What can be done to change that? I think it's a matter of leadership. It's not enough to have a President who isn't anti-labor; we need a President who's willing to stand up and say that a growing labor movement is in the national interest. Anyone who doesn't appreciate the value of unions should take a look at the RWDSU. Your union has transformed numerous low wage jobs into middle class careers. That's what collective bargaining is all about; growing the middle class.Clearly, labor laws today aren't working.
What's your position on the Employee Free Choice Act? Would you sign it? I wasn't only one of the Senators who voted for the Employee Free Choice Act, I'm proud to be one of the original co-sponsors. I would sign it in a heartbeat. But we have to do a lot more than change labor laws.
Such as? Since the Republicans came to power they've weakened every agency whose job is to protect worker rights. For example, we need to put OSHA back in the business of making jobs safer. Ergonomics is a great example. One of the last achievements of the Clinton administration was putting a strong ergonomics regulation in place. If you remember, one of the first priorities of the Bush White House was abolishing it.
Should we restore the ergonomics standard? I think we have to. Take the case of poultry workers. Some poultry workers make over 25,000 cuts per day. The repetitive and dangerous nature of the work can lead to injury for workers. Yet, OSHA has only provided guidelines for poultry processers. Workers need and deserve more protection than this. Most employers want to provide a safe and healthy workplace, but we canü't ignore the fact that there are some who arenü't living up to their responsibilities.
Millions of working families are worried about their health care. Those that have insurance are afraid they'll no longer be able to afford it while those who don't have it worry that they never will. What do you say to them? What I say is that America can do better and, with the right leadership, we will. I'm proud that I helped create the State Children's Health Insurance Program. It has been the most far-reaching and successful health care initiative since the creation of Medicare. As you know, I've put forward a plan that will guarantee health care for every American while protecting everyone's right to keep the health insurance they already have. It's a sensible approach and I'm convinced it will work.
What about trade? What I've said is that we need to take a time out and look at what the real costs and benefits have been. I don't think it's a question of being for or against trade. Instead, the question ought to be whether we should have trade policies that create more economic security for American workers. We've seen how President Bush answers that question. It's the reason why I opposed CA'tA and voted against giving him fast track authority.
So, in conclusion, what's your message for RWDSU families? My message is that we need a President who will stand for working people. That means having a President who believes that workers should have the opportunity to enjoy the security - and the respect - that comes with a union contract. It's time for America to have a pro-worker President again. That's the kind of President I'll be.