Union workers protest outside Marriott

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - Several union workers protested outside the Marriott in downtown Springfield Thursday morning in hopes of bringing attention to what they called anti-union activity.

The demonstration was the result of a seminar being held at the hotel by Jackson Lewis which specializes in labor laws.  The workers claim the goal of the seminar is to help companies get rid of or avoid unions.

The law firm's website does not try to hide the fact that they help companies stay union-free.  They also provide a six-page packet of information about the Employee Free Choice Act.  The proposal would allow workers to form unions and strengthen penalties against employers who violate employees’ rights.

President-elect Barack Obama has vowed to sign the bill into law.