Congressman Sherman & Senator Elizabeth Warren Introduce the Nationwide Right to Unionize Act

Press Release

Congressman Brad Sherman (D-Sherman Oaks), along with Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Massachusetts), today introduced the Nationwide Right to Unionize Act -- legislation that would eliminate so-called "right-to-work' laws.

"So called "Right-to-Work' laws are designed to make it difficult to organize a union," said Congressman Brad Sherman. "This impacts not only workers who want a union -- but general wage levels throughout the state. In an ill-conceived effort to attract business, one state after another has adopted these anti-union laws in a race to the bottom. That is why today I'm proud to partner with Senator Warren to re-introduce the National Right to Unionize Act -- legislation I've introduced in every session of Congress since 2008."

"Republicans and their corporate interest backers have imposed state laws with only one goal: destroy unions and discourage workers from organizing for higher wages, fair benefits, and safer working conditions," said Senator Elizabeth Warren. "At a time when labor unions are growing in both size, popularity, and delivering real wins for workers, Democrats are making clear that we stand in solidarity with workers everywhere, from Starbucks baristas to Google cafeteria workers and everyone in between."

So called "Right-to-work' laws have come to be known as "right-to-work-for-less' laws. A study released by Sherman in July 2016 shows that wages in "right-to-work' states average $8,723 a year less than workers in labor-rights states.

Today, this bill has 22 original cosponsors in the House. Sherman expects to add additional House co-sponsors in the coming weeks. Sherman consistently earns a 100 percent rating from the AFL-CIO.

Before his passing, the late great President of the AFL-CIO, Richard Trumka, said: "With the introduction of legislation banning so-called "right-to-work' laws, Congressman Sherman and Senator Warren have once again demonstrated their strong commitment to working families. Right-to-work' laws undermine the economy and weaken worker's ability to bargain for better working conditions, which translates into lower pay and fewer benefits for everyone."

In 1947, Section 14(b) of the Taft Hartley Act (an Act that passed by overriding President Truman's veto) allowed states to pass legislation that eliminates the ability of unions to collect dues from those who benefit from union contracts. The result encourages a race to the bottom, as states compete to attract employers by offering weak labor laws and, as a result, lower wages. Some 27 states have adopted so called "right-to-work" laws. Michigan and Wisconsin have adopted such laws claiming they had to do so to avoid losing jobs to neighboring states. The Sherman-Warren legislation would repeal Section 14(b) of the Taft Hartley Act and end "right-to-work" nationwide.

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