MSCI, Allies Send Letter Opposing Bill That Would Harm U.S. Workers

As Connecting the Dots reported in mid-January, Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) has introduced legislation that strongly resembles the PRO Act, a bill the Metals Service Center Institute (MSCI) and other business groups have opposed in the past. Last week, MSCI and more than 40 other organizations sent a letter to Sen. Hawley’s colleagues in the U.S. Senate asking that they oppose the legislation.

The letter, available at this link, argued, “The legislative framework promoted by Sen. Hawley includes provisions that have been rejected by Congress, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB or Board), and the courts and face strong opposition from the regulated community for their potential devastating consequences.” Those provisions include:

• Cementing Ambush Elections Into Law. If signed into law, the proposal would require a union election vote “in less than 20 business days.”
• Forcing Initial Union Contracts. After workers win a vote to join a union, the initial collective bargaining process can take time. Sen. Hawley’s proposal would require employers to begin negotiating with a labor union within 10 days after workers have voted to join a union and to execute these agreements “within months.”
• Strengthening Penalties For Alleged Violations. Hawley’s bill proposes a system for what he calls “real penalties,” including the possibility of “substantial compensation” and the ability for workers and unions to seek redress in court if the National Labor Relations Board fails to bring suit.
• Resurrecting Notice Postings. Hawley’s proposal calls for the return of a requirement that would force employers to post and maintain notices of labor rights in the workplace. The proposal also would require employers to affirmatively notify new employees of these rights when they are hired.

Sen. Hawley’s outline also proposes to update ergonomic standards, prohibit unsafe work speed quotas — at warehouse facilities in particular — and ban “captive audience” meetings.

The letter signed by MSCI concluded, “Sen. Hawley’s framework is misguided at best and dangerous at worst. The policies contained therein will infringe on the rights of workers and employers alike. It will destabilize labor relations and harm the economy.”

Unfortunately, the bill does seem to be gaining steam in the upper chamber of Congress. Sen. Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio) reportedly has signed on as a cosponsor. Stay tuned to Connecting the Dots for information as this bill moves forward.