Rep. John Moolenaar
The U.S. House Education and the Workforce Committee on Sept. 17 voted to approve a GOP-led bill sponsored by U.S. Rep. John Moolenaar (R-MI) that would affirm the rights of Native American tribes to govern labor relations on their own lands. The measure now heads to the full chamber for consideration.
“I am grateful for the support it received in the Education and Workforce Committee, and will continue my work to deliver this important protection for tribal communities,” said Rep. Moolenaar, who on Feb. 27 sponsored the Tribal Labor Sovereignty Act, H.R. 1723, alongside three Republican original cosponsors, including U.S. Rep. Tom Cole (R-OK).
H.R. 1723 would exclude Indian tribes and tribal enterprises and institutions on tribal land from requirements for employers under the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA). Currently under the NLRA, employers may not engage in unfair labor practices and must allow employees to form unions, engage in collective bargaining, and take collective action, according to the Congressional Record bill summary.
“Tribal governments should have the same authority as every other level of government in America to make decisions for their people and their communities,” Rep. Moolenaar said. “This legislation recognizes the sovereignty of tribes and ensures they have the ability to create policies that best serve their members.”
The Tribal Labor Sovereignty Act has been a long-standing priority for Native American leaders, receiving support letters from 33 tribes across the country as it was considered by the House Education and the Workforce Committee, according to the congressman.
By placing tribes on equal footing with states and territories under the NLRA, the bill would bolster tribal self-governance and reaffirm the federal government’s commitment to honoring tribal sovereignty, he said.