Senate Republicans offer legislation to reform America’s labor laws

More than two dozen Republicans on Tuesday introduced legislation that would reform the nation’s labor laws to protect America’s independent contractors, franchisees, entrepreneurs, and others seeking flexible work options.

“The complexities of our modern economy demand creative, forward-thinking legislation that gives workers and small business owners stability and flexibility,” said bill sponsor U.S. Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC). “I am grateful to my colleagues who are joining me in this fight to make workers’ voices heard in the halls of Congress.”

Sen. Scott on March 22 proposed the Employee Rights Act, S. 3889, with 24 of his GOP colleagues signing on as original cosponsors, including U.S. Sens. Mitt Romney (R-UT), Richard Burr (R-NC), Roger Wicker (R-MS), John Thune (R-SD), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Steve Daines (R-MT), Bill Cassidy (R-LA) and Thom Tillis (R-NC).

“The Democrats continue to push for legislation that prioritizes politics over people by protecting labor unions at the expense of workers,” Sen. Scott added. “The Employee Rights Act puts workers back in the driver’s seat by giving them basic protections and the power to choose how to make a living for themselves and build a future for their families.”

If enacted, S. 3889 would focus on four areas: Enhancing Employee Rights; Employee Benefits and Advancement; Structural Reforms; and Additional Reforms to Existing Labor Rights and Protections, according to the text of the bill.

“American workers are suffering the economic impacts of the highest rates of inflation in decades, and Democrats have responded with a proposal which would force more workers into unions that are more concerned with their own survival than protecting its members,” Sen. Romney said. “Our legislation will protect workers, support small businesses, and encourage innovation, which will equip us to compete and succeed in the 21st-century global economy.”

Sen. Burr, ranking member of the U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, said it’s unfortunate that Democrats want to reshape the nation’s workforce by discriminating against workers who do not wish to join a union. 

“Instead,” said Sen. Burr, “we should support policies that protect the successful franchise model and gig economy. This legislation does just that by modernizing our labor policies to match the needs of our evolving workforce.”

“Preserving the right of workers to choose how they earn a living is a cornerstone of the American economy,” added Sen. Wicker. “I am glad to join Senator Tim Scott to advance legislation that respects this freedom and gives power back to our workers instead of overreaching labor unions.”