"The PRO Act: A Game-Changer for Workers' Rights and the Economy"

LISTEN UP, AMERICA! The PRO Act is here, and it's a game-changer for workers' rights and the economy. This isn't just another piece of legislation; it's a revolution in the making. The PRO Act, reintroduced by Congressman Jared Golden and a bipartisan group of lawmakers, is designed to protect workers' right to organize and bargain collectively for higher wages, better benefits, and safer workplaces. And let me tell you, the American people are behind it. A 2024 Gallup poll shows that 70 percent of Americans approve of labor unions—near record highs! But despite this support, union density has plummeted from roughly one in three workers in 1956 to a new low of 9.9 percent in 2024. It's time to turn the tide and restore fairness to the economy.

The PRO Act is a comprehensive proposal that strengthens federal law to protect workers' rights. It holds employers accountable for violating workers' rights by authorizing meaningful penalties, facilitating initial collective bargaining agreements, and closing loopholes that allow employers to misclassify their employees as supervisors and independent contractors. This is a big deal because, as Cynthia Phinney, president of the Maine AFL-CIO, points out, "anti-worker policies and bad legal decisions have made it too easy for employers to crack down on our rights and retaliate against working people forming unions because the penalties for breaking labor laws are just absorbed as a cost of doing business."

But that's not all! The PRO Act empowers workers to exercise their right to organize by strengthening support for workers who suffer retaliation for exercising their rights, protecting workers' right to support secondary boycotts, ensuring workers' unions can collect “fair share” fees, and authorizing a private right of action for violation of workers’ rights. It secures free, fair, and safe union elections by preventing employers from interfering in union elections, prohibiting captive audience meetings, and requiring employers to be transparent with their workers. This is a direct response to the coordinated attacks on workers' unions and labor laws that have eroded union density and made it harder for workers to organize.

The PRO Act is long overdue, and the American people agree. We urge the elected leaders of both parties to move this critical legislation forward so that all workers have the chance to stand together and build better lives for themselves and their families. We know it won’t be easy, but the labor movement never backs down from a righteous fight. And in today’s economy, where our workers’ hard-earned paychecks are covering less of what they need while still facing unsafe conditions and a lack of respect on the job, there’s no fight more righteous than ensuring that every single worker who wants a union has a fair shot to join or form one.

Other pro-worker organizations weighed in on the legislation. Here are those who issued statements so far.

Actors’ Equity Association Executive Director Al Vincent Jr.: "Now, when workers’ rights in this country are under imminent threat, it is crucial that we finally pass the PRO Act. The National Labor Relations Act has shaped this country for the better for 90 years, and we have to shore it up. Passing the PRO Act will also send a message from Congress that they care about the wellbeing of American workers. That includes the right to organize, to receive a living wage and to combat misclassification.”

AFSCME President Lee 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. They know the best way to secure these freedoms is through a union contract. That is why poll after poll shows unions are more popular than ever. But joining or forming a union is exceedingly difficult for far too many. As billionaires and wealthy companies rake in record profits, they are seeking even more control over our lives, using any means necessary to silence workers. Their anti-union extremism is deepening economic inequality, halting progress on health and safety, and harming millions. The PRO Act will loosen billionaires’ grip on our economic future and make clear that their days of using illegal union busting tactics without consequence are over. This legislation will level the playing field, giving workers the legal protections they need to organize without fear of retaliation or obstruction. It’s about time Congress prioritized workers over billionaires and gave them a fair shot at improving their workplaces."

Air Line Pilots Association, Int'l President Capt. Jason Ambrosi: "The right to organize has been fundamental in advancing safety and quality-of-life improvements for workers across the country. ALPA pilots know first-hand the benefits of union membership and advocacy, and we stand in solidarity with those fighting for the right to collectively bargain. We urge Congress to pass the PRO Act, which will help promote an economy that works for all working families. All workers deserve fair opportunities to negotiate for better working conditions, wages, and a more secure retirement. The collective bargaining rights within the PRO Act are foundational for strong and vibrant communities and are vital for our nation's continued success."

Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) ATU International President John Costa: "As a Union that represents over 200,000 transit workers, we know firsthand the power of collective bargaining and the protection of workers’ rights to organize. The Pro Act would strengthen those rights, ensuring workers have the ability to stand together and demand fair wages, safe working conditions, and a voice in their workplace. Thank you to Representatives Robert C. “Bobby” Scott, Hakeem Jeffries, Brian Fitzpatrick and Senator Bernie Sanders for reintroducing this bill. This legislation is a fitting tribute to the late Richard Trumka, a fierce advocate for working people, whose leadership and vision continue to inspire us. The ATU stands united with the labor movement in supporting the PRO Act and calls on Congress to pass this crucial legislation without delay. It is time to restore balance to the workforce and ensure that every worker has the right to organize and bargain collectively. We urge lawmakers to act swiftly to pass the PRO Act, honor the legacy of Richard Trumka, and secure a fairer, more just future for workers across this nation."

American Federation of Musicians International President Tino Gagliardi: "The PRO Act gives workers essential safeguards against anti-union attacks. The American Federation of Musicians of the US and Canada thank Reps. Scott and Fitzpatrick and Sen. Sanders for their leadership and recognition that all people have the right to join a union and negotiate for a fair contract."

American Federation of Teachers: "The PRO Act is about ensuring every worker has rights on the job and can form a union. It: Protects workers’ basic rights to form & join a union Holds employers accountable for violating workers’ rights Secures free, fair, & safe union elections."

Bricklayers: "The PRO Act was reintroduced into Congress today. Too many mega-corporations are crushing workers' rights on the job, taking advantage of lax labor laws and little enforcement. Congress needs to give the ability to organize back to the workers and pass the PRO Act!"

Communications Workers of America: "We need the PRO Act so that all workers in America truly have the freedom to join together in unions to fight for more just and equitable workplaces."

International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers: "The PRO Act is the common sense, bipartisan legislation we need to fix our damaged system and empower American workers."

International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) International President Kenneth W. Cooper: "On behalf of the 838,000 active members and retirees of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, I am proud to support the Richard L. Trumka Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act. This critical piece of legislation ensures workers have a genuine right to organize, negotiate fair wages, and secure better benefits without fear of retaliation. For decades, corporate interests have chipped away at these rights, leading to a sharp decline in union membership and an equally steep rise in income inequality not seen since the Great Depression. Today, over 60 million workers want to join a union but face overwhelming obstacles because of outdated labor laws that prioritize the interests of employers. The PRO Act addresses this imbalance, modernizing these laws by streamlining the union election process, imposing real penalties on companies that illegally fire or intimidate workers, and preventing employers from misclassifying workers in order to strip them of their rights."

International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers President Matthew Biggs: "The members and leaders of IFPTE are continuing to build support for the PRO Act in the 119th Congress. The historically high support for unions shows that workers recognize the power of joining together with their coworkers to make their workplaces better. Any Member of Congress who says they support working Americans should support the PRO Act’s strong legal protections that restore and reinforce working people’s right to freely form a union and bargain with their employers for fair wages, benefits, and working conditions. We thank Representative Brian Fitzpatrick and Representative Bobby Scott, and Senator Bernie Sanders for reintroducing the PRO Act."

Ironworkers: "The International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental, and Reinforcing Iron Workers stands in strong support of the introduction of the reintroduction of The Richard L. Trumka Protecting the Right To Organize (PRO) Act by Congressman Bobby Scott (D-VA) and Senator Josh Hawley's (R-MO) Faster