This is not an official government website.
Copyright © 2026 PLEJ LC. All rights reserved.
This bill makes several changes to U.S. labor laws. It requires secret‑ballot elections run by the Board to choose a union. It also says only workers who have lawful immigration status can vote in union elections, whether held by the Board or by a union. It limits voter lists to each worker’s name and one contact method the worker chooses, and it restricts unions to using that contact info only for the representation case. Unions may not spend a worker’s dues or fees on activities not tied to bargaining or contract administration unless the worker gives written consent, which expires after a year.
It also clarifies who is an employee, an independent contractor, or a joint employer. A worker is an independent contractor if the hiring party doesn’t control how the work is done and the worker has real chances to act like a business owner; things like safety rules, insurance requirements, or deadlines can’t be used to say someone is an employee. Two companies count as joint employers only if each directly and immediately controls key job terms. Franchisors can give or require training and policies on harassment, safety, trafficking, child care, or paid leave without being treated as the employer of a franchisee’s workers. The bill defines terms for Indian Tribes and Indian lands. In states that ban agreements requiring union membership or payments, employees who stop being members or paying may negotiate directly with their employer, and unions may not represent or interfere with them. It forbids union contracts from mandating DEI programs based on personal traits unless required by law. It updates federal criminal law to address robbery, extortion, or violence tied to labor disputes, with exceptions for minor, incidental conduct during peaceful picketing, and sets fines and prison terms. It also makes clear employers can act to protect employees from discriminatory, harassing, or demeaning conduct, even during organizing campaigns or strikes.
Referred to the Committee on Education and Workforce, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Introduced June 26, 2025 by Rick W. Allen · Last progress 8 months ago
Employee Rights Act