Congressional Republicans Unveil Labor BillLegislation Aims to Counter Democrats' Proposed PRO Act
Washington,
April 26, 2023
A comprehensive update to labor laws aimed at improving the national workforce landscape was recently proposed by congressional Republicans. The Employee Rights Act, sponsored by Rep. Rick Allen (R-Ga.) in the U.S. House of Representatives and Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.) in the Senate, responds to provisions tucked in the Democrat-led PRO Act. The sponsors argue their legislation promotes innovation, shields workers from certain union demands and would pave the way for greater take-home pay. By modifying aspects of the National Labor Relations Act, the GOP-led legislation would specifically seek to guarantee secret ballot union elections, as well as restructure notifications for members’ dues used for certain political activities. The bill also would safeguard employees’ personal information and data while codifying independent contractor and franchise models. “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,” Allen said on April 19. “The Employee Rights Act fights back against this overreach and instead protects workers’ rights and privacy, as well as empowers entrepreneurs and independent contractors,” he added. “It is long past time that our labor laws stand with the 21st century worker.” “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,” Scott affirmed. “We should always resolve to empower and encourage Americans with the ability to provide for their families.” The Employee Rights Act is co-sponsored in the House by Reps. John Moolenaar of Michigan, Austin Scott of Georgia, Jake LaTurner of Kansas, Mary Miller of Illinois, Jeff Duncan of South Carolina, Bob Good of Virginia, Erin Houchin Indiana, Tom Cole of Oklahoma and Dusty Johnson of South Dakota, among others. In the Senate, co-sponsors include Republican Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky; Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee ranking member Bill Cassidy of Louisiana; Republican Whip John Thune of South Dakota; and Sens. Mike Braun of Indiana, Ted Budd of North Carolina, Kevin Cramer of North Dakota, Mike Crapo of Idaho and Cindy Hyde-Smith of Mississippi. “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 Cassidy in a statement accompanying the bill’s introduction. “No American should be intimidated or coerced into joining a union. This legislation protects workers’ rights to choose what’s best for their career, whether that is to join a union or not participate at all.” The legislation, referred to committees for consideration, has gained the endorsement of myriad groups, such as the Associated Builders and Contractors, Americans for Tax Reform, the Club for Growth, the National Association of Manufacturers, the National Restaurant Association and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. “We write today to urge you to cosponsor the Employee Rights Act of 2023, a vital piece of legislation that will empower American workers and protect their freedom of choice in the workplace,” the groups told members of Congress on April 19. “Over the past several decades, America’s workers have innovated to meet the demands of our changing economy. But America’s labor laws haven’t significantly changed since 1947.” Senior Republicans have consistently taken aim at the Protecting the Right to Organize, or PRO, Act. In February a group of House Democrats introduced a version of the PRO Act, a bill that seeks to revise definitions of an employee, supervisor and employer.
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