Bipartisan Lawmakers Introduce PRO Act to Support Union Organizing

In a decisive move towards reshaping labor rights, a bipartisan coalition in Congress has reintroduced the Richard L. Trumka Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act. This legislation promises to transform the landscape for workers aspiring to unionize, offering them stronger legal support against anti-union tactics.

Lee Saunders, President of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), expressed strong support for the act, articulating the growing desire among workers for fair wages, healthcare benefits, secure jobs, and safe working conditions free from discrimination. According to Saunders, "Working people want to be paid fairly. They want benefits like health care, a fair retirement, to know their jobs are secure and that their workplaces are safe and free from discrimination." He emphasized that union contracts are seen as a crucial tool for securing these rights, especially as public opinion polls suggest unions are gaining popularity.

The challenges of forming or joining a union, however, remain formidable. With wealthy corporations and billionaires reportedly increasing their profits, many are accused of employing aggressive methods to suppress union formation. Saunders highlighted this issue, stating that "billionaires and wealthy companies rake in record profits, they are seeking even more control over our lives, using any means necessary to silence workers." This approach, he argues, exacerbates economic disparities and stifles advancements in workplace safety and health.

The PRO Act seeks to counter these challenges by empowering workers with legal safeguards that would deter employers from engaging in illegal union-busting activities. By leveling the playing field, the act aims to diminish the power imbalance between workers and large corporations, ensuring workers can organize without fear of retaliation. Saunders concluded that it's imperative for Congress to prioritize the needs of workers over the interests of billionaires, asserting, "It’s about time Congress prioritized workers over billionaires and gave them a fair shot at improving their workplaces.”