Sponsors (18)
The bill strengthens federal support for union-security agreements—bolstering unions' bargaining power and potential wages for unionized workers—while removing state-level right-to-work protections and raising the prospect of higher labor costs and reduced worker choice in affected states.
Unionized workers in states that currently ban union-security agreements would gain the ability to negotiate fair-share/agency arrangements, likely increasing union revenue and improving collective-bargaining outcomes (higher wages and benefits) for affected employees.
The National Labor Relations Board would have clearer federal authority to enforce uniform rules on union-security arrangements nationwide, reducing state-by-state legal uncertainty for enforcement and employers.
Workers and residents in existing 'right-to-work' states would lose state-level protection against mandatory union membership or fees, meaning some employees could be required to pay dues or fees despite objections, reducing individual choice about association and raising compelled-speech concerns.
Employers—particularly small businesses—and consumers could face higher labor costs where union-security agreements are allowed, which may lead to higher prices, reduced hiring, or shifts in business decisions.
State governments that enacted right-to-work laws would have reduced control over labor policy within their borders, likely provoking legal and political conflict between state and federal authorities.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Removes federal statutory protection of State/Territorial right-to-work bans, allowing the NLRA to apply without that exception.
Official title: To repeal the authority under the National Labor Relations Act for States to enact laws prohibiting agreements requiring membership in a labor organization as a condition of employment, and for other purposes.
Introduced September 4, 2025 by Brad Sherman · Last progress September 4, 2025
Repeals a federal provision that currently preserves State and Territorial "right-to-work" prohibitions on union-security agreements. Removing that preservation would allow the National Labor Relations Act to be interpreted or applied without an express exception for States or Territories that ban agreements requiring union membership or payment of union dues as a condition of employment, effectively permitting union-security arrangements in jurisdictions that now prohibit them.