National Taxpayers Union urges all Representatives to vote “NO” on H.R. 842, the “Protecting the Right to Organize Act.” This fundamentally flawed legislation would radically overhaul U.S. labor laws to entrench the interests of big unions at the expense of workers. If enacted, H.R. 842 would harm workers, decimate businesses, and weaken our economic recovery.
The PRO Act contains a laundry list of items that would increase the coercive power of big labor unions under the guise of being pro-worker. Of the many dubious provisions in the PRO Act, perhaps the most economically damaging would be repealing right-to-work laws that have been adopted in a majority of states. These important laws allow workers to opt out of paying dues if they desire, ensuring that union participation is voluntary and not coerced. Right-to-work laws have expanded personal freedoms and improved the economic environment in 27 states, but H.R. 842 would abandon decades of progress with a single mandate from Washington.
Additionally, the PRO Act would subject workers nationwide to California’s controversial “ABC'' test to determine a workers employment classification. The “ABC” test was billed as a win for workers, but evidence points to the fact it has killed job opportunities for sharing economy workers, writers, and other service workers. Those misguided regulations restrain workers’ freedom by applying an antiquated employment model that fails to take into account innovative developments in the workplace. Under the California approach, mimicked in the PRO Act, workers that previously enjoyed the freedom and empowerment of independent contracting could find themselves unemployed.
This proposal also effectively ends the secret ballot of union elections. That, coupled with a provision that gives unions access to employee personal data without consent, could lead to intimidation and harassment of workers. Finally, this bill would increase the likelihood of coercion, boycotts and picketing by legalizing secondary boycotts against any employer.
Given the significant damage this bill would cause if enacted, lawmakers should overwhelmingly reject this “Frankenstein’s monster” of a wishlist crafted by America’s largest unions.
Roll call votes on H.R. 842 will be significantly weighted in NTU’s annual Rating of Congress and a “NO” vote will be considered the pro-taxpayer position.
If you have any questions, please contact NTU Director of Federal Affairs, Thomas Aiello at Thomas.Aiello@ntu.org