Unions versus Worker rights: we need labor reform that protects the non-union labor from being forced into unions

Mr. President, today I have introduced the Employee Rights Act, a comprehensive workers’ rights bill that would address many issues plaguing America’s workers.

Who said the GOP was doing nothing?  Who said they did not care about the working class? -- blog editor 

Our nation’s labor laws were designed to preserve the rights of employees to join labor unions and engage in collective bargaining. Contrary to what some may think, I am not anti-union and I do not want to stand in the way of unionization if the decision to unionize is truly the will of the employees. However, I believe that the right not to join a union is equally important. It is this right that far too often goes overlooked under our current laws, and particularly under policies implemented by unelected bureaucrats at various administrative agencies.

Sen Hatch (Utah) introduces his Employees Rights Act. He, like millions,  believe that American workers should have full authority over their work experience. There are some who do not agree, hence the need for reform law.

I’m under no illusions that this legislation will be noncontroversial. There will most certainly be opposition. Indeed, I fully expect the unions and their supporters to come out against the Employee Rights Act, and characterize it as a radical, anti-union bill.

But, Mr. President, that just isn’t the case. There’s not a single provision in this bill that will empower employers at the expense of the union. The only parties whose position will be improved by the Employee Rights Act are employees. Anyone whose real concern is preserving the rights of individual workers should support this bill. . . . . continue reading Sen Hatch's introductory letter to this bill, here. 

The points, below,  summarizes the content of this new legislation proposal.  

§  Secret Ballot Elections — Guarantee employees the right to a secret ballot election when choosing whether or not to join a union.
 

§  Union Recertification Elections — Require that all unionized workplaces hold a secret ballot referendum every three years to determine whether the employees wish to remain represented by their current union.
 

§  Paycheck Protection — Give employees the right to refuse support for a unions’ political operations or support of political parties or candidates.
 

§  Standardized Election Timing — Require unions and employers to give employees a minimum of 40 days to hear from both sides when deciding whether or not to join a union.
 

§  Decertification Coercion Prevention — Strengthen the National Labor Relations Act to prohibit unions from intimidating or coercing employees from exercising their rights, including their right to decertify the union.
 

§  Secret Ballot Strike Vote — Give employees the right to a secret ballot vote before union leaders can declare a strike.
 

§  Criminalizes Union Threats — Forbid unions from using violence, or threats thereof, in an effort to coerce employees.

Final paragraph of Senator's Hatch's introduction to this bill: 

For too long, American workers have been treated by union leaders as little more than human ATMs. They claim to be progressives, supportive of equality and democracy and the working man. This bill is consistent with those principles, providing working men and women with a real and meaningful voice in decisions regarding unionization. It is supported by the National Right to Work Committee, and I am proud to have Congressman Tim Scott of South Carolina introducing companion legislation in the House.

I urge all of my colleagues to support the Employee Rights Act.

I yield the floor.