National Taxpayers Union urges all Representatives to vote “NO” on H.R. 2474, the “Protecting the Right to Organize Act of 2019.” This proposal would radically rewrite U.S. labor laws to strengthen big unions at the expense of workers. If enacted, H.R. 2474 would substantially harm workers and consumers, and add nearly $50 billion in new costs onto job creators.
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. 2474 would abandon decades of progress with a single mandate from Washington.
Additionally, H.R. 2474 would subject workers nationwide to California’s controversial “ABC” test to determine if a worker is an employee or a contractor. The ABC test is wreaking havoc on freelance writers, hairdressers, sharing economy workers, service workers, and even doctors. Under the California approach, mimicked in the PRO Act, freelancers that previously enjoyed the freedom and empowerment of independent contracting could find themselves unemployed.
This proposal would bring back “card check,” a dangerous policy that 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 the intimidation and harassment of workers. Finally, this bill would increase the likelihood of coercion, boycotts and picketing by legalizing secondary boycotts against any employer.
If lawmakers truly want to stand with workers they should overwhelmingly reject a “Frankenstein’s monster” of a wishlist crafted by America’s largest unions.
Roll call votes on H.R. 2474 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 Policy and Government Affairs Associate Thomas Aiello at Thomas.Aiello@ntu.org