Senator Scott, Congressman Allen, Colleagues Introduce Landmark Legislation to Protect Workers and Support Small Business Owners

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) introduced the Employee Rights Act of 2023. The bill seeks to modernize our nation’s labor policies to match the needs of the 21st century worker and workforce. This legislation represents the Republican vision for the future of the American workforce: promoting growth and innovation, ensuring that our laws protect workers rather than union bosses, and allowing Americans to take home more of the money they earn.

“While the Biden administration and Washington Democrats continue to bend to the demands of big labor unions and special interest groups, Republicans remain focused on finding forward-thinking solutions that give our workforce and small business owners stability and flexibility,” said Senator Scott. “We should always resolve to empower and encourage Americans with the ability to provide for their families. I’m grateful to my colleagues for joining me in the fight to protect workers.”

“Being pro-worker means defending the rights of all workers, including those who decide it is not in their best interest to form or join a union,” said Dr. Cassidy, Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions. “No American should be intimidated or coerced into joining a union. This legislation protects workers’ right to choose what’s best for their career, whether that is to join a union or not participate at all.”

“Washington Democrats have long bowed to the demands of union bosses by prioritizing radical labor policies that harm small businesses and workers,” said Republican Whip Thune. “I’m proud to join my colleagues in introducing this common-sense bill that upholds individuals’ ability to choose to work as an independent contractor and ensures workers’ rights are protected against coercion from union bosses and the Biden administration’s heavy-handed labor agenda.”

The Employee Rights Act of 2023 is co-sponsored by Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky), Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee Ranking Member Bill Cassidy (R-La.), Senate Republican Whip John Thune (R-S.D.), Senators John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Mike Braun (R-Ind.), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Mike Crapo (R-Ind.), Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), James Risch (R-Ind.), and Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.).

Congressman Rick Allen is introducing the companion legislation in the House, which is cosponsored by Congressmembers Tom Cole (R-Okla.), James Comer (R-Ky.), Dan Crenshaw (R-Texas), Jeff Duncan (R-S.C.), Drew Ferguson (R-Ga.), Scott Franklin (R-Fla.), Bob Good (R-Va.), Erin Houchin (R-Ind.), Richard Hudson (R-N.C.), Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.), Jake LaTurner (R-Kansas), Barry Loudermilk (R-Ga.), Mary Miller (R-Ill.), John Moolenaar (Mich.), Austin Scott (R-Ga.), Randy Weber (R-Texas), and Joe Wilson (R-S.C.).

“The modern American worker wants flexibility and choice. Unfortunately, the overreaching Biden administration and Washington Democrats would rather force their radical labor agenda on the American people,” said Congressman Allen. “The Employee Rights Act fights back against this overreach and instead protects workers’ rights and privacy, as well as empowers entrepreneurs and independent contractors.  It is long past time that our labor laws stand with the 21st century worker, and I am proud to lead this effort in the House of Representatives.”

“If it were up to the Biden administration and Democrats, every worker in the United States would be forced to join a union,” said House Education and Workforce Committee Chairwoman Virginia Foxx. “That’s not hyperbole – just look at the legislation proposed by the Left. Bills like the PRO Act chip away at workers’ rights and tip the scales in favor of Big Labor special interests. That’s un-American. Competing in the 21st century economy requires pro-growth policies that lift up all workers, not just union members. I’m proud to support the Employee Rights Act to ensure that workers in America are free to decide their own future.”

The Employee Rights Act of 2023 is endorsed by the following groups:

Associated Builders and Contractors                                                             
American Experiment                                                                                         
Alaska Policy Forum
Americans for Prosperity                                                                               
Americans for Tax Reform                                                                                  
ALEC Action
Beacon Impact
California Business and Industrial Alliance
California Policy Center
Center for Union Facts
Center for Individual Freedom
Club for Growth
Commonwealth Foundation
Competitive Enterprise Institute
Council for Citizens Against Government Waste
Freedom Foundation
Heritage Action for America
Independent Women’s Voice
Institute for the American Worker
International Franchise Association                                                                                                       
The LIBRE Initiative
Initiative Mackinac Public Policy Center 
Maine Policy Institute  
National Association of Manufacturers                                                                    
Job Creators Network 
National Federation of Independent Businesses
National Taxpayers Union  
National Restaurant Association
Nevada Policy Research Institute
Open Competition Center
Retail Industry Leaders Association
RI Center for Freedom & Prosperity
US Chamber of Commerce
Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce
Workplace Policy Institute

Their letter of support can be found here.

Read the bill text in full here.

For additional information on the Employee Rights Act of 2023, visit EmployeeRightsAct.com.