Blog | Labor Law

AFL-CIO and Affiliates Celebrate Reintroduction of the PRO Act

Kenneth Quinnell

AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler issued the following statement on the reintroduction of the Richard L. Trumka Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act:

Americans believe in the power of unions, and tens of millions of working people would become union members tomorrow if they could. But American labor law is broken, weighted on the side of the bosses and against the workers. In too many workplaces, in too many industries across the country, big corporations and billionaire CEOs still retaliate against us for organizing. They refuse to negotiate our contracts, force us to sit through hours of anti-union propaganda and engage in illegal union-busting every day. Now they have an unelected, unaccountable union-buster trying to illegally fire tens of thousands of our fellow workers in federal jobs and an administration rolling back the workplace protections.

Shuler continued:

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.”

The PRO Act includes several measures that fight back against union-busting tactics by employers and strengthens the National Labor Relations Act. For example, it prohibits the practice of some employers holding mandatory anti-organizing meetings for their staff and allows workers to file civil complaints against employers for violating their NLRB rights. The bill strengthens protections for workers who go on strike, and overrides so-called right-to-work laws.

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:

Bricklayers:

Communications Workers of America:

International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation 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.

Read the full IBEW statement.

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 Labor Contracts Act. These bipartisan efforts reflect a significant step toward empowering workers and ensuring timely negotiations between labor unions and employers.

The Faster Labor Contracts Act proposes a critical framework that mandates employers engage in negotiations within one week following a successful union election. This provision is essential for protecting workers' rights and ensuring they receive the fair and equitable treatment they deserve. We firmly believe that timely negotiations lead to better working conditions, fair wages, and enhanced job security for our members and all workers nationwide.

Furthermore, Congressman Scott's PRO Act builds upon this momentum by reinforcing the rights of workers to organize and collectively bargain. This legislation is a vital tool in ensuring that workers can advocate for their interests without fear of retaliation or obstruction. Our nation's labor force is the backbone of our economy, and it is imperative that we create a legislative environment that promotes fairness and dialogue. We applaud Senator Hawley and Congressman Scott for their commitment to advancing policies uplifting working men and women.

We encourage support for these bills, as they represent significant progress toward a more equitable American workforce.

Laborers (LIUNA) General President Brent Booker:

The right to freely join a union is the cornerstone of a prosperous working class in America. Fair pay, essential benefits, and a dignified retirement after a life of hard work are all qualities of the American Dream that have been chipped away as fewer workers are able to join unions.

Today, working men and women without a collective voice struggle with multiple jobs, wages that do not cover necessities, and a lack of healthcare and retirement security. At the same time, Gallup polling shows that workers overwhelmingly support unions.

Workers want—and America needs—more unions.

Read the full LIUNA statement.

Machinists (IAM) International President Brian Bryant:

I thank Senator Bernie Sanders and Congressmen Bobby Scott and Brian Fitzpatrick for leading this very important piece of bipartisan legislation. For far too long, American workers have been denied the right to freely form a union without the threat of company intimidation or interference, The Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act is long overdue legislation that grants our nation’s workforce the protections to form a union if they wish, while also including provisions to punish employers who break the law.

Painters and Allied Trades General President Jimmy Williams:

Williams continued:

We cannot allow the rights of workers to continue to erode. The PRO Act is necessary to protect the rights of working people to form and join unions.

Together with the introduction earlier this week of 
Rep. Josh Hawley's (MO) “Faster Labor Contracts Act” it’s clear that there is strong support from all sides of the political spectrum for the labor law reform and protecting the rights of workers to organize.

Members of the IUPAT go to work every day and help build the American economy, and we will work with anyone serious about providing much needed reforms for the rights of working people to form and join unions.

We call on Congress to move quickly to pass these pieces of legislation and start the long awaited process of restoring basic rights to the working people who drive our economy.

Office and Professional Employees:

Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) International President Matthew D. Loeb:

Standing up for the right to organize and collectively bargain should not be a partisan issue. Entertainment workers know that time is of the essence when it comes to securing fair contracts. Whether it’s film, television, live events, or trade shows, our members move from job to job, and delays in bargaining can mean missing out on the industry standards and protections we fight for. The PRO Act remains our North Star in the fight for comprehensive labor law reform and we welcome bipartisan efforts that recognize the urgent need to level the playing field for workers.

Read the full IATSE statement.

Transport Workers Union (TWU) International President John Samuelsen:

It is time for Congress to step up and support workers. Republicans and Democrats alike talk a good game about supporting  working people—signing onto the PRO Act and working to pass it into law shows which lawmakers will back up their words with action.”   

The PRO Act is a significant legislative priority for the entire labor movement. The bill bans employer interference in union elections and would end mandatory anti-labor meetings during an organizing drive. It allows newly certified unions to seek binding arbitration and mediation when employers fail to negotiate a first contract in good faith. The bill eliminates so-called “right to work” laws and allow unions to collect dues that cover the cost of collective bargaining and administering a contract. And the PRO Act penalizes employers and corporate executives who violate workers’ rights.  

Read the full TWU statement.

UNITE HERE:

United Steelworkers (USW) International President David McCall:

Millions of American workers want to join unions, but they can’t, because corporations can intimidate and bully them with no meaningful consequences. Workers deserve to have a voice on the job without interference, and the PRO Act would protect that voice.

For decades, corporate CEOs and Wall Street investors have been taking home a bigger and bigger share of the economic pie while leaving workers with the crumbs. Unions are the best check on that growing inequality and the best path to the middle class for exploited workers.

Congress should quickly pass the PRO Act and the president should sign it.

Read the full USW statement.

Department for Professionals Employees President Jennifer Dorning: 

Most professionals want to join a union and there has been an increase in workplace activism in recent years. However, federal labor law does not effectively protect professionals’ right to form a union and negotiate with their employer collectively in the private sector. The weak penalties employers are subject to when they break the law do not deter them from intimidating and retaliating against employees during union organizing campaigns and intentionally holding up first union contract negotiations. The PRO Act will improve federal labor law by creating real consequences for employers who break the law, making employer tactics that interfere with elections illegal, and facilitating productive negotiations to encourage quicker agreement on first union contracts.

Metal Trades Department, AFL-CIO, President Ed Jones:

For far too long, America’s workers have faced an uphill battle when fighting for fair wages, safe working conditions, and the fundamental right to organize without fear of intimidation or retaliation. The PRO Act represents the most significant labor law reform in decades, ensuring that workers can freely exercise their right to join a union and bargain collectively.

Arizona AFL-CIO President Jim McLaughlin:

Senator Kelly grew up in a union household and knows firsthand how unions can transform lives. They gave his family stability and opportunities, and he understands that strong unions are key to building a thriving middle class. That’s why he’s proud to cosponsor the PRO Act, which will make it easier for workers to join unions, negotiate fair wages, and strengthen the middle class for generations to come.

Maine AFL-CIO President Cynthia Phinney:

Labor unions are extremely popular with Americans because they know being part of a union is the most effective way to gain better wages, health insurance, retirement security and a dignified life. But for too long, 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. The PRO Act would level the playing field and allow workers to freely choose to join a union and bargain for a better life. We applaud Congressman Jared Golden for his consistent support for this critical reform that will hold union-busting corporations accountable, repeal anti-worker laws, and remove barriers to organizing and bargaining.

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