August 20, 2008 Obama stresses importance of unions Play video

(NECN: Martinsville, Virginia) - Barack Obama held a discussion on the economy at Patrick Henry Community College in Martinsville, Virginia today. The Democratic presidential contender reinforced the fact that he is a strong supporter of the Employee Free Choice Act. The legislation would allow labor organizations to unionize workplaces without secret ballot elections. The bill was co-sponsored by Obama and opposed by his Republican rival John McCain.

"Some people don't recognize how important unions have been in this country," said Obama.

However, Obama did stress that if all the union is doing is pressuring for higher wages and higher salaries, this will make companies less competitive. He stressed that unions must be cooperative with management.

"Unions ensure that workers get some share of the pie," said Obama. "When things get tough, the unions step up."