The Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act was today introduced in the U.S. House by Congressman Bobby Scott (D-VA) and U.S. Senate by Senator Patty Murray (D-WA). The PRO Act is designed to ensure workers can band together to negotiate better wages and safer working conditions by ending prohibitions on collective and class action litigation; prohibiting employers from permanently replacing striking employees; and amending how employees are defined to ensure that no one is misclassified as an independent contractor. In addition, it would strengthen remedies and enforcement for employees who are exercising their rights; create a mediation and arbitration process for new unions; protect against captive audience meetings; and streamline National Labor Relations Board procedures.

Following the introduction, the BlueGreen Alliance released a statement from Executive Director Jason Walsh:

“When unions are strong local economies prosper, workers are safer and healthier, and our environment is safeguarded. For too long, attempts to weaken unions and collective bargaining rights have gone unanswered. Today, we see that the leaders in Congress are fighting for working people. We thank the bill’s sponsors for introducing this important piece of legislation and urge its quick passage.

“If we’re going to tackle systematic racial and economic injustice and build a clean, thriving, and equitable economy for all workers, we need strong unions. The PRO Act ensures workers have a fair shot to band together and collectively bargain for better wages and benefits, safer workplaces, a cleaner environment, and a better future.”