Some legislative measures that are priorities for organized labor after the elections put Democrats in power in Congress:

MINIMUM WAGE: A federal minimum wage bill not attached to any legislation that complicates its passage. President Bush has indicated he could support such a measure if certain benefits are given to small businesses.

NEGOTIATION OF MEDICARE DRUG PRICES: A measure that would allow the government to negotiate with pharmaceutical companies for lower prescription drug prices.

EXPANSION OF HEALTH CARE: Expand Medicare and child insurance programs to provide coverage to more people, getting closer to providing health coverage for all who need it.

PENSION PROTECTION: Provide more protection for the pension system, including defined benefit pensions, which are increasingly being replaced by 401k plans.

TOUGHER TRADE AGREEMENTS: Push for opposition to trade agreements that don't provide tough labor protections.

EASIER TO ORGANIZE: Passage of the Employee Free Choice Act, which allows for formation of a union if a majority of workers want to form one and increased penalties for employer violations.

REDUCE JOB OUTSOURCING: A change in the tax code to reduce job outsourcing.

MINE SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS: Improvements in mining safety requirements, including increased oxygen supplies, better communications equipment and more thorough testing.

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