Fitzpatrick’s bipartisan bill aims to implement labor elections reforms

U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) recently reintroduced bipartisan legislation that would direct the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) to implement a system and procedures for conducting elections remotely using an electronic voting system.

“Our bipartisan legislation will require the NLRB to allow workers to vote electronically,” Rep. Fitzpatrick said on Jan. 20. “We must continue to work together to protect the rights, health and safety of American workers.” 

Rep. Fitzpatrick on Jan. 13 signed on as the lead original cosponsor of the Secure and Fair Elections for (SAFE) Workers Act, H.R. 308, with bill sponsor U.S. Rep. Andy Levin (D-MI). The bill currently has 74 other cosponsors.

“Over the last year we have seen COVID-19 impact our world in countless ways, most noticeably changing the daily lives of workers all across the country,” said Rep. Fitzpatrick. “I am proud to once again introduce this legislation to protect the right to organize with my good friend Congressman Levin, and to continue the progress that was made last Congress.”

Rep. Fitzpatrick and Rep. Levin originally introduced the legislation in July 2020 during the 116th session of Congress. While the bill garnered widespread support from numerous organizations, it stalled in the U.S. House Education and Labor Committee.

“I am grateful to my Republican co-lead, Congressman Fitzpatrick, for partnering in this effort in the 116th Congress and again in this new session,” said Rep. Levin. “Today, we begin a new chapter of taking public health and workers’ rights seriously.”

H.R. 308 has been referred for consideration to the House Education and Labor Committee.