Crapo, Risch Sponsor Bill to Protect Workers and Small Businesses
Washington, D.C.--U.S. Senators Mike Crapo and Jim Risch (both R-Idaho) joined Senator Tim Scott (R-South Carolina) in introducing the Employee Rights Act of 2023. The legislation seeks to protect independent contractors, franchisees, entrepreneurs and anyone seeking flexible work options by defending the rights of all workers, including those who decide it is not in their best interest to form or join a union.
“In an ever-evolving workforce, it is necessary to update our national policies to match 21st century needs,” said Crapo. “Our goal is to reduce heavy-handed, one-size-fits all mandates from the federal government while promoting job creation. Coercing or forcing our gig workers or small businesses into job-killing union agreements stands in direct opposition to common-sense economy-building practices.”
“The Biden administration is determined to strip away workers’ rights and empower unions to override employees’ preferences,” said Risch. “An individual has the right to choose what is best for them when it comes to their work, personal information, and paychecks. If that is not a union, that worker should not be forced to unionize. Protecting workers and their rights is paramount to strengthening and supporting our economy.”
The Employee Rights Act of 2023 is co-sponsored by Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee Ranking Member Bill Cassidy (R-Louisiana), Senate Republican Whip John Thune (R-South Dakota), Senators Mike Braun (R-Indiana), Ted Budd (R-North Carolina), Bill Cassidy (R-Louisiana), Kevin Cramer (R-North Dakota), Bill Hagerty (R-Tennessee), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Mississippi), Ron Johnson (R-Wisconsin), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyoming) and Tommy Tuberville (R-Alabama).
Representative Rick Allen (R-Georgia) is introducing companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Click here for full bill text.
The Employee Rights Act of 2023 is endorsed by the following groups:
Associated Builders and Contractors
American Experiment
Alaska Policy Forum
Americans for Prosperity
Americans for Tax Return
ALEC Action
Beacon Impact
California Business and Industrial Alliance
California Policy Center
Center for Union Facts
Center for Individual Freedom
Club for Growth
Commonwealth Foundation
Competitive Enterprise Institute
Council for Citizens Against Government Waste
Freedom Foundation
Heritage Action for America
Independent Women's Voice
Institute for the American Worker
International Franchise Association
Job Creators Network
The LIBRE Initiative
Mackinac Public Policy Center
Maine Policy Institute
National Association of Manufacturers
National Federation of Independent Businesses
National Restaurant Association
National Taxpayers Union
Nevada Policy Research Institute
Open Competition Center
Retail Industry Leaders Association
RI Center for Freedom & Prosperity
US Chamber of Commerce
Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce
Workplace Policy Institute
