Protecting the Right to Organize Act (PRO Act)

Retailers are focused on building a 21st Century Retail Workforce that is diverse, innovative, and skilled. To realize this goal, we need modern thinking that reimagines outdated labor laws which impede innovation, disrupt communication between employers and employees, and stifle employee rights. Unfortunately, the Protecting the Right to Organize Act (PRO Act), being considered by Congress now, is a return to antiquated thinking about work.

The legislation would not only limit the rights of employers and workers, but also create substantial economic disruption by eliminating decades long checks on abusive activities by union leaders. Many of the proposals in the PRO Act are harmful to our country’s small and local businesses and will also have damaging effects on employees. It would establish an innovation-stifling joint employer standard, legalize dangerous and misguided secondary boycotts, and violate employee rights and privacy, among other provisions.

In short, the PRO Act puts the interests of politically connected organized labor over workers, employers, and the economy.

The PRO Act passed the U.S. House of Representatives in March 2021. It is unclear if there is a pathway for the legislation in the Senate; RILA will continue to advocate for a more modern approach to workforce policy that empowers workers, promotes innovation, and enables retailers to invest in their people and their communities.

Latest data on union organizing and membership across the nation as well as four articles about timely labor and employee relations topics.

Labor Activity in Retail (2021)

Tags

• Workforce
• Investing in People
• PRO Act
• Retail Works for All of Us