THE WORKER PRIVACY ACT IS STILL ALIVE!  Democratic House Speaker Frank Chopp, Democratic Senate Majority Leader Lisa Brown and Democratic Gov. Christine Gregoire have a choice, they can allow a fair up-or-down vote on this important workers' rights legislation, or they can block a vote from happening.

Send a message to your State Representatives and Senators urging them to ask Chopp, Brown and Gregoire to allow a fair up-or-down vote!

The Worker Privacy Act (HB 1528 and SB 5446) would allow workers in Washington state to choose whether or not to participate in employer communication on issues of individual conscience, including politics, religion, charitable giving, and unionization.  Employers would retain their freedom of speech on all issues, including these.  But under the Worker Privacy Act, they would not be able to force employees to participate in such communications, or punish or fire those who opt out.

Both the supporters and opponents of the bill agree their are plenty of votes for it to pass, the only question is whether Chopp, Brown and Gregoire will allow that to happen.

Please send an email NOW urging your lawmakers to support the Worker Privacy Act!

Dear [ Decision Maker ] ,

I'm writing to urge a fair up-or-down vote on the Worker Privacy Act (HB 1528 and SB 5446). I strongly support this workers' rights legislation -- and I urge you to support it as well -- but more importantly, IT DESERVES A VOTE.

Both its supporters and opponents say it has enough votes to pass. But so far, House Speaker Frank Chopp, Senate Majority Leader Lisa Brown and Governor Chris Gregoire have refused to allow that to happen. I'm asking you to contact these three Democratic leaders and urge them to let the democratic process proceed.

The Worker Privacy Act is important legislation that protects the First Amendment rights of both workers and employers. Employers should have the right to share their personal opinions regarding matters unrelated to work with their employees. But their free-speech rights on issues not related to work do not include the right to COMPEL or FORCE people to listen, under threat of firing or discipline. That's not right! Workers who choose not to participate in communications on matters of individual conscience -- religion, politics, unionization and charitable giving -- must be protected from retaliation.

The Worker Privacy Act establishes a fair and reasonable minimum standard for protection of freedom and privacy in the workplace, and in no way is a "gag rule" as corporate lobbying groups seek to portray it.

Again, I urge your support for this important legislation. But more importantly, I urge you to allow the democratic process to proceed and VOTE ON IT!

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

Campaign Launched:
March 19, 2009