Bipartisan Push to Strengthen Worker Rights with PRO Act Reintroduction
The proposed legislation seeks to overhaul U.S. labor laws, empowering unions and protecting workers against employer retaliation.
- The Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act was reintroduced by Sen. Bernie Sanders and Rep. Bobby Scott, with support from key Democratic leaders and some bipartisan backing.
- The bill aims to strengthen union rights by penalizing employers for labor law violations, banning anti-union 'captive-audience' meetings, and facilitating initial union contracts.
- It addresses the decline in union membership, which has fallen to a historic low of 9.9% in 2024, despite record-high public support for unions at 70%.
- The legislation also seeks to redefine independent contractor classifications, making it easier for gig workers and freelancers to unionize.
- While Democratic support for the bill is now unanimous, Republican opposition and control of Congress make its passage uncertain.