AFSCME President Lee Saunders released the following statement after a bipartisan group of House and Senate members introduced the Richard Trumka Protecting the Right to Organize Act to the 118th Congress:
“Working people do not just want a voice on the job, they are demanding it. Public approval of labor unions has reached new heights. From Starbucks to Tesla to cultural institutions, workers are organizing with renewed energy and standing up for dignity and respect on the job. Yet all too often, employers viciously block workers’ path to a seat at the table with impunity, firing those who dare to speak out or even utter the word ‘union.’
“Change begins with the Richard Trumka Protecting the Right to Organize Act. This vital piece of legislation would hold union busters accountable and allow thousands of working people to experience the union difference. It would give them the opportunity for a true voice on the job, leading to fairer wages and safer workplaces. In a country with rampant wealth and income inequality, unions are a proven solution.
“This isn’t just about economic justice; this is about democracy. Workers deserve the freedom to form strong unions and to use their voices at work without fear. We urge Congress to pass the PRO Act swiftly.”