Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act is an important law that has served as a beacon of hope for American workers in an era when workers' rights and fair labor practices are more important than ever. In addition to understanding its significance, individuals need to actively engage in and support this legislation.
What is the PRO Act? 
The PRO Act is a proposed law that represents a pivotal stride in the United States labor rights legislation, aiming to empower workers by taking down barriers standing in the way of organizing and collective bargaining.
This act was initially introduced in May of 2019 in the House of Representatives and aimed to address various challenges faced by workers in organizing and collectively bargaining for better wages, benefits, and working conditions. While the law was passed by the House in 2020, due to Republican opposition, it had been stalled in the Senate until just a couple of years ago.
Following a change in administration, the PRO Act was reinstated in the 117th Congress in February 2021 with new support. The law currently remains under consideration in Congress, but efforts to push its progress forward are continuously being made.
How does the PRO Act helps workers?
The PRO Act is designed to strengthen various sections of the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) and includes several key arrangements directed at empowering workers and enhancing their ability to organize within a workplace.
Some of the significant components of the PRO Act include:
1. Expansion of Union Rights: The PRO Act seeks to improve workers' ability to form unions by streamlining the union election process and imposing penalties on employers who interfere with workers' organizing efforts.
Elimination of Right-to-Work Laws: The act aims to repeal state-level right-to-work laws, which allow employees in unionized workplaces to have the choice of withdrawing from paying union dues while still benefiting from union representation.
Promotion of Collective Bargaining: The act strengthens the ability of workers to negotiate for better wages, benefits, and working conditions by making collective bargaining agreements easier.
Why you should care about the PRO Act
Supporters of the PRO Act argue that it is essential for protecting workers' rights and dealing with power imbalances in the workplace. By strengthening labor protections and empowering workers to organize, the PRO Act aims to:
- Promote Economic Justice: Collective bargaining allows workers to negotiate fair wages, benefits, and improved working conditions, contributing to greater economic equity for all.
- Protect Workers' Rights: The PRO Act helps protect workers from unfair labor practices, ensuring they can exercise their rights without fear of repercussions.
- Address Inequality: It addresses imbalances in bargaining power between workers and employers, helping to reduce income inequality and create a more balanced labor market.
Adapt to Changing Labor Landscape: With the rise of Artificial Intelligence, extending labor protections to these workers is crucial to ensure they have a voice in the workplace, access to essential benefits, and prevention of their jobs being replaced by AI.
How you can help get the PRO Act passed
The PRO Act has made steady progress getting passed, but it still needs the support of as many individuals as possible to succeed. While a law in Congress feels like a far-away or difficult goal to achieve, there are several ways you can easily support the act:
- Reach out to your elected representatives and urge them to support the PRO Act.
- Join labor unions or advocacy groups to promote the act.
- Educate yourself and stay updated on the PRO Act.
- Share information about the act with friends, family, and social networks.
- Get involved in protests, rallies, and other forms of union activism.
The Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act represents a significant opportunity to strengthen labor rights, empower workers, and address inequalities in the workplace.
By supporting this act, we can take big steps towards creating a fairer society where all workers have the opportunity to thrive.
Whether through advocacy, engagement, or spreading awareness, each of us has a role to play in championing the PRO Act and standing up for workers' rights. Share this blog with others and learn more about how unionizing can help student workers & how to spot union busting.
