Congressman Tim Ryan Votes to Strengthen Labor Unions and Workers Rights

Press Release

Congressman Tim Ryan (OH-13) today voted for the Protecting Right to Organize (PRO) Act, a significant worker-rights bill that will enhance the power of workers to organize and collectively bargain for better wages, benefits, and working conditions. The PRO Act will guard union elections from employer interference, require employers to negotiate with newly elected unions, ensure employees can't be misclassified as supervisors or independent contractors, invalidate state "right-to-work-for-less" laws, and stiffen penalties for violations of workers' rights.

Ryan presided over the House of Representatives during the PRO Act debate and delivered an impassioned Floor speech.

To watch the full speech, click here.

"Labor unions are the backbone of our economy and they have played a vital role in my own family. Fifty years ago, my grandfather received better pay and a better work environment because he and his co-workers could collectively bargain. It is time we reclaim that agenda for our country. The middle class was built on the backs of American workers, and our future will be too," said Congressman Tim Ryan. "This legislation will begin the reinvestment in the American worker, who too often put in long hours in difficult working environments for inadequate pay and benefits. These workers deserve better, and the PRO Act will help provide better working conditions, empower unions, and support families.

The PRO Act restores fairness to the economy by strengthening the federal laws that protect workers' right to join a union. It empowers workers to exercise their right to organize and will hold employers accountable for violating workers' rights and will secure free fair and safe union elections. After a decades-long assault on workers' rights, funded by corporations and special interests, workers need stronger protections and now they have it through the PRO Act.

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