Crain's Chicago Business reports that the McDonald's Corporation is mobilizing restaurant owners to oppose the Employee Free Choice Act, a bill designed to restore workers' freedom to bargain with their employers and improve their jobs through unions.

In a Nov. 25 memo, McDonald's USA President Don Thompson urged 2,400 franchisees to "contact your U.S. senators and representatives to oppose" the Employee Free Choice Act.

The Employee Free Choice Act is legislation designed to restore workers' freedom to bargain with their employers and improve their jobs through unions.

AFL-CIO President John Sweeney denounced the company's opposition to the Employee Free Choice Act:

Working people know that the bargaining power they gain through unions for fair wages, better health care, pensions and job security is our nation's single best tool for creating an economy that works for all--60 million say they'd join a union tomorrow if given the chance.  In addition to launching a campaign to defeat the Employee Free Choice Act, McDonald's has taken direct aim at the customers and communities it serves and is shooting down their best chance at realizing their aspirations for their families and futures.