Ed. note: The following letter was sent from business leader Roger Smith to U.S. Senators on Thursday, June 4.

June 4, 2009

Dear Senator,

As a national group of employers, entrepreneurs, and business leaders who, understanding that good-paying jobs create demand for the goods and services we provide, Business Leaders for a Fair Economy supports the Employee Free Choice Act as an integral part of our nation's economic recovery.

This week more than 1,000 businesses have stepped up to publicly back the Employee Free Choice Act because they value the role our nation's workforce plays in the fabric of our economy. When America's workers do well, our economy prospers, and companies across the nation--large and small--benefit. But without good-paying jobs, more Main Streets are going under. A strong, solid middle class that is able to purchase our products and services will allow us to invest in our businesses, hire new employees, and give back to our local communities.

It's important to counter the myths and misunderstandings that unions are bad for business. Quite the contrary - allowing workers to freely join unions can improve morale, productivity, and retention rates, and our bottom line. Further, enabling workers to make their own choice on how to form a union helps remove unnecessary conflict from the workplace so labor and management can focus on advancing the business.

It's time to buck the current "race-to-the-bottom" trend by defining standards for a sustainable 21st century economy that balances profitability with workers' needs and rights. By fairly compensating employees and sharing decision-making with them through unions, we are confident such a forward-thinking business model is smart, ethical, and successful.

In this tough economy, Business Leaders for a Fair Economy believes that passage of the Employee Free Choice Act is more pressing than ever. We urge you and your colleagues to put our country on a path toward lasting economic and financial recovery by enacting this vital measure.

Sincerely,

Roger Smith

Chair, Business Leaders for a Fair Economy

President and CEO, American Income Life Insurance Company and National Income Life Insurance Company