Congressman Rick W. Allen, Senator Tim Scott & colleagues introduce landmark legislation to protect workers and support small business owners
Washington,
April 19, 2023
U.S. Congressman Rick W. Allen (R-GA) introduced the Employee Rights Act of 2023 today, alongside Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.). The bill seeks to modernize our nation’s labor policies to match the needs of the 21st century worker and workforce. This legislation represents the Republican vision for the future of the American workforce: promoting growth and innovation, ensuring that our laws protect workers rather than union bosses, and allowing Americans to take home more of the money they earn. “The modern American worker wants flexibility and choice. Unfortunately, the overreaching Biden administration and Washington Democrats would rather force their radical labor agenda on the American people,” said Congressman Rick Allen. “The Employee Rights Act fights back against this overreach and instead protects workers’ rights and privacy, as well as empowers entrepreneurs and independent contractors. It is long past time that our labor laws stand with the 21st century worker, and I am proud to lead this effort in the House of Representatives.” “While the Biden administration and Washington Democrats continue to bend to the demands of big labor unions and special interest groups, Republicans remain focused on finding forward-thinking solutions that give our workforce and small business owners stability and flexibility,” said Senator Scott. “We should always resolve to empower and encourage Americans with the ability to provide for their families. I’m grateful to my colleagues for joining me in the fight to protect workers.” “If it were up to the Biden administration and Democrats, every worker in the United States would be forced to join a union. That’s not hyperbole – just look at the legislation proposed by the Left. Bills like the PRO Act chip away at workers’ rights and tip the scales in favor of Big Labor special interests. That’s un-American. Competing in the 21st century economy requires pro-growth policies that lift up all workers, not just union members. I’m proud to support the Employee Rights Act to ensure that workers in America are free to decide their own future.”— House Education and the Workforce Committee Chairwoman Dr. Virginia Foxx (R-NC) “Being pro-worker means defending the rights of all workers, including those who decide it is not in their best interest to form or join a union,” said Dr. Cassidy, Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions. “No American should be intimidated or coerced into joining a union. This legislation protects workers’ right to choose what’s best for their career, whether that is to join a union or not participate at all.” “Washington Democrats have long bowed to the demands of union bosses by prioritizing radical labor policies that harm small businesses and workers,” said Republican Whip Thune. “I’m proud to join my colleagues in introducing this common-sense bill that upholds individuals’ ability to choose to work as an independent contractor and ensures workers’ rights are protected against coercion from union bosses and the Biden administration’s heavy-handed labor agenda.” Read the bill text in full here. The Employee Rights Act of 2023 is co-sponsored by John Moolenaar, Austin Scott, Jake LaTurner, Mary Miller, Jeff Duncan, Bob Good, Erin Houchin, Tom Cole, Dusty Johnson, Randy Weber, James Comer, Richard Hudson, Barry Loudermilk, Joe Wilson, Drew Ferguson, Dan Crenshaw, and Scott Franklin. In the Senate, the bill is co-sponsored by Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee Ranking Member Bill Cassidy (R-La.), Senate Republican Whip John Thune (R-S.D.), Senators Mike Braun (R-Ind.), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), Bill Cassidy (R-La.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Mike Crapo (R-Ind.), Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), James Risch (R-Ind.), and Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.). Background: President Biden and Congressional Democrats have advocated for the passage of the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act, which would primarily amend the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) to rewrite the laws governing private sector employers and unions. Among other items, the PRO Act contains the following controversial provisions:
The Employee Rights Act, which has been introduced in varying versions since 2011, advocates for concrete worker policies and strikes a contrast with the PRO Act by including the following provisions: · Guarantees secret ballot union elections. · Protects members’ dues from being used for political purposes without their permission. · Safeguards employees’ personal info & data. · Codifies and protects the independent contractor and franchise models. · Protects tribal labor sovereignty. The Employee Rights Act of 2023 is endorsed by the following groups: Alaska Policy Forum ALEC Action American Experiment Americans for Prosperity Americans for Tax Reform Associated Builders and Contractors Beacon Impact California Business and Industrial Alliance California Policy Center Center for Union Facts Club for Growth Commonwealth Foundation Competitive Enterprise Institute Council for Citizens Against Government Waste Freedom Foundation Heritage Action for America Independent Women's Voice Institute for the American Worker International Franchise Association Job Creator’s Network The Libre Initiative Mackinac Public Policy Center Maine Policy Institute National Association of Manufacturers National Restaurant Association National Taxpayers Union Nevada Policy Research Institute NFIB Open Competition Center Retail Industry Leaders Association RI Center for Freedom & Prosperity UC Chamber of Commerce Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce Workplace Policy Institute
Their letter of support can be found here.
For additional information on the Employee Rights Act of 2023, visit EmployeeRightsAct.com.
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