U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy (R-LA), chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, has introduced a legislative package aimed at updating federal labor laws. The proposed reforms seek to address worker freedoms and workplace rights, responding to changes in the economy and work practices over the past century.
“Congress has not updated labor laws for nearly 100 years, yet the economy and the way we work have changed. We have a responsibility to bring stability to businesses, unions, and workers to make our nation competitive in a 21st-century economy,” said Dr. Cassidy. “As Chairman of the HELP Committee, I’m committed to finding a path forward and building consensus between businesses, unions, and workers. These bills are an important step as we work together to deliver President Trump’s pro-worker agenda and empower the middle class to achieve the American Dream.”
Cassidy has led Republican efforts in the Senate for more than a year on modernizing labor law. In July, he introduced legislation that would allow independent workers access to portable benefits such as health insurance and retirement plans.
The new legislative package includes bills from Cassidy and other Republican members of the HELP Committee: Senators Jim Banks (R-IN), Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), and Tim Scott (R-SC). The measures cover several areas:
- The Worker Reforming Elections for Speedy and Unimpeded Labor Talks (RESULTS) Act seeks to ensure integrity in union elections, expedite first contracts, and enhance worker input on union contracts.
- The NLRB Stability Act requires decisions by the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) to align with federal court precedent.
- The Fairness in Filing Act aims to reduce frivolous claims before the NLRB that contribute to case backlogs.
- The Union Members Right to Know Act would give workers more control over how their union dues are used.
- The Put American Workers First Act makes it an unfair labor practice for unions or employers to hire undocumented immigrants.
- The Protection on the Picket Line Act clarifies that antidiscrimination laws remain intact during labor disputes.
- The Worker Privacy Act protects personal data collected during union organizing campaigns.
Austen Bannan of Americans for Prosperity commented: “Americans for Prosperity thanks Senators Cassidy, Scott, and Tuberville, as well as the Senate HELP Committee, for advancing a package of reforms that will help us lead the global economy in the 21st century by empowering every worker. We do this by modernizing rigid, dated labor laws that fail to give workers the voice and transparency they deserve. These reforms will provide workers with greater choice and opportunities in the workplace to unleash prosperity and take advantage of our evolving and innovative labor market.”
F. Vincent Vernuccio from Institute for the American Worker added: “The Senate HELP labor package delivers long-overdue reforms that finally put American workers first. It restores choice and voice in the workplace through the Worker RESULTS Act and protects workers from being trapped into funding politics they oppose in the Union Members Right to Know Act. It closes a loophole to ensure the NLRB follows the law under the NLRB Stability Act and stops harassment tactics through frivolous complaints in Fairness in Filings Act. It allows employers to protect workers from abuse and harassment in workplace under Protection on Picket Line Act,” he said.“Together these bills reflect a modern approach…that trusts workers…promotes transparency…and ensures law is applied fairly…The committee led by Chairman Bill Cassidy deserves credit…”
Mark Mix of National Right to Work Committee stated: “For decades…the National Labor Relations Board has made it increasingly difficult for workers decertify…and remove unwanted union bosses…The Worker RESULTS Act removes these non-statutory barriers…mandates secret ballot union elections…requires at least two-thirds show up…These changes give workers more power…”
Sean Higgins from Competitive Enterprise Institute said: “The Competitive Enterprise Institute endorses Union Members Right To Know Act which codifies rights under 1988 Supreme Court decision Communications Workers v Beck...This legislation would ensure that workers are informed...Unions have little incentive inform members...It is fitting Congress step in…”
Cassidy’s proposals also received support from organizations such as National Federation of Independent Business.
