Cortez Masto Cosponsors Landmark Legislation to Protect Workers' Right to Organize

Press Release

U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) cosponsored the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act, comprehensive legislation to strengthen protections for workers' right to organize a union and bargain for higher wages, better benefits, and safer working conditions. As wage inequality continues to leave workers and middle-class families behind, this legislation would empower millions of Americans to stand together and ensure hardworking people are getting their fair share of economic growth.

"Too many American workers are facing stagnant wages and losing their hard-earned benefits, even as corporate profits continue to rise. Unions are critical to protecting labor rights and ensuring workers share in the fruits of their labor through better wages, benefits, and health care," said Senator Cortez Masto. "I'm proud to join Senator Murray in this effort to strengthen the right to organize and give workers a voice."

BACKGROUND

Specifically, the PRO Act would:

Establish penalties on predatory corporations that violate workers' rights, and combat misclassification of workers as supervisors and independent contractors.
Strengthen workers' right to strike for basic workplace improvements, including higher wages and better working conditions.
Create a mediation and arbitration process to ensure corporations and newly formed unions reach a first contract.
Authorize unions and employers to negotiate agreements that allow unions to collect fair-share fees that cover the costs of representation.
Streamline the National Labor Relations Board's (NLRB) procedures to secure worker freedoms and effectively prevent violations.
Protect the integrity of union elections against coercive captive audience meetings.

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