A bipartisan group of lawmakers has reintroduced the PRO (Protecting the Right to Organize) Act, a sweeping labor reform bill aimed at expanding workers’ rights to unionize, negotiate for better wages, and advocate for safer working conditions. The legislation, introduced in both the House and Senate, seeks to address long-standing weaknesses in labor laws that have contributed to declining union membership and growing economic inequality.

Unions, Wages, and the Shrinking Middle Class

Union membership in the U.S. has steadily declined over the decades, falling from nearly one in three workers in 1956 to a record low of 9.9% in 2024. Meanwhile, economic inequality has widened. Between 1979 and 2023, wages for the bottom 90% of workers grew by just 44%, while the top 1% saw earnings increase by more than 180%. Supporters of the PRO Act argue that stronger worker protections are critical to reversing this trend and ensuring a more balanced economy.

Key Measures in the PRO Act

The PRO Act includes provisions aimed at protecting workers’ rights and increasing corporate accountability:

• Stronger Protections for Organizing: The bill authorizes the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) to assess financial penalties against employers who violate workers’ rights, including wrongful termination of employees engaged in organizing efforts.
• Addressing Worker Misclassification: It prevents companies from misclassifying workers as independent contractors or supervisors to limit their ability to unionize.
• Ensuring Fair Union Elections: The legislation prohibits employer interference in union votes and strengthens protections against anti-union tactics. 
• Expanding Collective Bargaining Rights: The bill enhances workers’ ability to strike and removes barriers that limit their support for broader labor movements.

Legislative and Political Debate

The PRO Act has been introduced in multiple Congresses, including in 2020, 2021, 2023, and again in 2024. These reintroductions underscore the persistent challenges in labor law reform. Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Rep. Bobby Scott (D-VA), and other congressional leaders are spearheading this latest effort to pass what Rep. Scott called “the most significant upgrade in US labor law in over 80 years.” Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) reaffirmed bipartisan backing for the bill, “The PRO Act will safeguard the fundamental right of American workers to collectively bargain and organize and will ensure workers receive fair treatment while holding their employers to just standards.”

The PRO Act has drawn opposition from some corporate groups and business advocates who argue it could place additional regulations on employers. However, proponents counter that the bill ensures that economic gains are more evenly distributed and that workers have a meaningful say in workplace policies.

Widespread Support but an Uncertain Path Forward

Public approval for unions remains high, with 70% of Americans expressing support, according to a 2024 Gallup poll. This growing support comes as workers in multiple industries have faced challenges in organizing. Major labor organizations, including AFL-CIO, SEIU, UAW, and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), among many others, endorse the PRO Act.

AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler emphasized the need for stronger labor protections, stating, “American labor law is broken […] In too many workplaces, in too many industries across the country, big corporations and billionaire CEOs still retaliate against us for organizing. They refuse to negotiate our contracts, force us to sit through hours of anti-union propaganda and engage in illegal union-busting every day.”

While the PRO Act enjoys strong backing from labor unions and workers’ rights advocates, it faces staunch opposition from corporate groups and some lawmakers who argue it could burden businesses.

What Comes Next?

Previous versions of the PRO Act have stalled in Congress, but its reintroduction signals continued momentum for labor rights advocacy. Whether it gains enough bipartisan support to pass remains uncertain, but the conversation about workplace protections is far from over. As the bill moves forward, employers and workers alike will be watching closely to see how it could reshape labor relations in the U.S.

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