The Machinists Union is applauding more than 100 members of Congress who are pushing for a quick vote on the PRO Act, a once-in-a-generation opportunity to end anti-union policies that have hurt working people and unions.
U.S. Reps. Jared Golden (D-ME) and Andy Levin (R-MI) led a letter urging that the PRO Act be brought for a House vote.
“This legislation to empower our nation’s workers passed the House a year ago,” the lawmakers wrote. “Since then, the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic has sadly underscored the urgent need for workers’ ability to bargain collectively for safe working conditions, robust health care and paid leave, and pay that reflects their essential role in our society. We believe now is the time to move this important legislation across the finish line.”
TAKE ACTION: Tell your members of Congress to support the PRO Act
“The right to form a union without the threat of company intimidation or interference is denied to workers today,” said IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. “This bold piece of legislation modernizes federal laws and establishes a process for mediation and arbitration to help the parties achieve a first contract. It protects workers’ right to organize a union and bargain for higher wages and better benefits.”
The PRO Act would:
- Empower workers to exercise the freedom to organize and bargain.
- Repeal “right to work” laws.
- Ensure that workers can reach a first contract quickly after a union is recognized.
- End employers’ practice of punishing striking workers by hiring permanent replacements. Speaking up for labor rights is within every worker’s rights—and workers shouldn’t lose our jobs for it.
- Hold corporations accountable by strengthening the National Labor Relations Board and allowing it to penalize employers who retaliate against working people in support of the union or collective bargaining.
- Create pathways for workers to form unions, without fear, in newer industries like Big Tech.
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