Sponsors (16)
Repeals the NLRA subsection that allowed states and territories to bar enforcement of union-security (membership/dues) agreements, making such agreements enforceable where negotiated.
The bill increases union bargaining power and federal enforcement uniformity—potentially boosting wages for some workers—at the cost of reduced state control, higher labor costs for employers, and requiring some workers to financially support unions or their political activities.
Workers covered by unions could see stronger bargaining leverage and potentially higher wages or benefits because union-security agreements would be enforceable across more States/Territories.
Workers in right-to-work States/Territories would no longer be statutorily barred from being subject to union-security terms, allowing collective-bargaining terms (including agency or membership requirements) to apply uniformly where agreed.
State governments and federal regulators would have clearer, more uniform federal authority (via the NLRB) to enforce union-security agreements across States/Territories, reducing legal ambiguity.
Workers in States/Territories that currently prohibit union-security agreements could be required to join or financially support a union, potentially compelling them to fund union positions or political spending they oppose.
Small businesses and local employers could face higher labor costs and greater disruption if increased unionization leads to higher wages, benefits, or changes in hiring, which could slow hiring or raise prices for consumers.
State and Territorial governments would lose a statutory mechanism to enforce their chosen right-to-work policies, reducing state control over local labor-law outcomes.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Official title: 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 Elizabeth Warren · Last progress September 4, 2025
Repeals the federal provision that has allowed states and territories to bar union-security agreements (contracts that require union membership or dues as a condition of employment). In practice, the law would make it impossible for state or territorial laws to prohibit employers and unions from agreeing to union-security arrangements, effectively allowing such agreements nationwide where negotiated under the National Labor Relations Act.