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Teamsters Applaud Introduction of PRO Act in Congress
The U.S. House and Senate introduced the Protecting the Right to Organize Act (PRO Act) this week, which will empower workers to freely and fairly form unions and bargain together for their rights at work.
“It’s time to balance the scales to ensure every worker has the right to have their voice heard on the job,” said Teamsters General President Sean M. O’Brien. “Big business has been rigging the game for too long, and an equal playing field is long overdue.”
Union support is high among Americans, with 71 percent approving of unions in a 2022 Gallup survey. Workers are in the fight, with petitions for union representation and work stoppages increasing last year. As productivity increases and CEO payouts skyrocket, it’s more important than ever for workers to have the tools to fight for their rights.
The PRO Act will fix some of the fundamental shortcomings of labor law. Under the PRO Act, corporations will no longer be able to get away with committing Unfair Labor Practices (ULPs) because substantial penalties will deter bad corporate behavior. Workers who are unlawfully terminated will be able to recapture back pay, front pay, and consequential damages. Under the PRO Act, workers who win at establishing their union will be guaranteed a first contract, will no longer be forced to attend anti-union captive audience meetings, and will not be misclassified as independent contractors to exclude them from rightful labor protections.
“The Teamsters, and all of labor, will make this policy our priority in the new Congress,” O’Brien said. “Reform is long past due and public support is on our side.”