March 01, 2023

Congressman Morgan McGarvey Celebrates the Introduction of the Richard L. Trumka Protecting the Right to Organize Act

Congressman Morgan McGarvey Celebrates the Introduction of the Richard L. Trumka Protecting the Right to Organize Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. (March 1, 2023) – Today, Congressman Morgan McGarvey (KY-03) celebrated the introduction of H.R. 20, the bipartisan Richard L. Trumka Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act. Rep. McGarvey joins Democratic Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY), Education and Workforce Ranking Member Bobby Scott (D-VA), Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Chairman Bernie Sanders (I-VT) as an original co-sponsor of the PRO Act.

“Every American should have the right to form and join a union. That’s why I’m proud to be an original co-sponsor of the PRO Act, which would implement the first major update to workers’ collective bargaining rights in more than 80 years,” said Rep. McGarvey. “This historic legislation will empower workers to exercise their right to unionize, safeguard union elections, and hold employers accountable for violating workers’ rights. Protecting workers’ rights to organize will help uplift the middle class and improve quality of life for workers and their families. Unions are essential to creating an economy where everyone can succeed, and I’m committed to fighting for workers in Louisville and across our country to have safe working conditions, better wages, and better benefits.” 

The PRO Act will strengthen federal laws that protect workers’ right to join a union, restoring fairness to our economy. The bipartisan and bicameral bill would:

  • Empower workers to exercise their right to organize;
  • Enhance workers’ rights to support boycotts, strikes, or other acts of solidarity; 
  • Close loopholes in labor laws that erode workers’ rights;
  • Authorize meaningful penalties for companies that violate workers’ rights;
  • Prevent employees from interfering in union elections; and
  • Require employees to be transparent with their workers.

“At a time when corporations are making record profits, our workers are facing staggering economic inequality,” continued Rep. McGarvey. “Historically, it couldn’t be clearer: when unions are strong, working families thrive. It’s that simple. The PRO Act will protect workers from all walks of life and give hard-working Americans the opportunity to thrive.”

Please find the full bill text here.

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Congressman Morgan McGarvey represents Kentucky’s Third Congressional District, including Louisville and Jefferson County. He serves on the House Veterans Affairs and House Small Business Committees.