Press Release: Congressman Vela Votes Yes on H.R. 842, the Pro Ac

Press Release

Today, Congressman Filemon Vela (TX-34) voted yes on H.R. 842 the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act, legislation that strengthens and protects workers' rights to form a union by allowing the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) to assess penalties on employers who violate this right and protects workers that suffer any retaliation for these efforts. The final vote was 225-206, and a previous version of the bill passed the House of Representatives in the 116th Congress.

"I am proud to support legislation that ensures American workers have the tools and protections necessary to eliminate intimidation by empowering workers to utilize their bargaining rights," said Congressman Filemon Vela. "This legislation represents long overdue improvements to workers' rights and will safeguard against exploitation and unfair practices. Freedom is one of our founding principles, and American workers should always be comfortable exercising their right to form a union and to do so without concern of retaliation or negative consequences. Workers should feel safe and have fair working conditions, which ensures the continued success of businesses, workers and their families and our nation.

H.R. 842, the PRO Act of 2021:

Empowers Workers to Exercise their Rights to Organize
Streamlines access to justice for workers who suffer retaliation for exercising their rights.
Gives workers the power to override "right-to-work" laws that prevent unions from collecting dues from the workers they represent.
Enhances workers' right to support boycotts, strikes, or other acts of solidarity.
Authorizes a private right of action for violations of workers' rights.
Holds Employers Accountable for Violating Workers' Rights
Authorizes meaningful penalties for companies and executives that violate workers' rights.
Closes loopholes that corporations use to erode workers' rights.
Prevents companies from denying workers' access to justice.
Requires employers to be transparent with their workers.
Secures Free, Fair, and Safe Union Elections
Prevents employers from interfering in union elections.
Allows workers to hold union elections in a safe environment.
Facilitates initial collective bargaining agreements.

To read the full text of the legislation, click HERE.

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