Washington D.C. – U.S. Senators Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Rand Paul (R-Ky.), and 16 of their Republican colleagues have introduced the National Right to Work Act, legislation aimed at ensuring American workers have the choice to join or refrain from joining labor unions.
The proposed bill seeks to repeal six provisions within the National Labor Relations Act and the Railway Labor Act that currently allow private-sector workers, as well as airline and railroad employees, to be required to pay union dues as a condition of employment. Supporters of the legislation argue that it restores bargaining power to workers by preventing mandatory union membership or dues payments.
Senator Britt emphasized the bill’s focus on individual choice and financial independence, stating, “The National Right to Work Act would protect Americans from being forced to hand over part of their hard-earned paycheck to a union they didn’t choose to join. I’m proud to support this legislation that rightly ensures hardworking Americans are truly empowered to negotiate the terms of their own employment.”
Senator Paul, the lead sponsor of the bill, pointed out that a majority of states have already enacted similar laws. “Kentucky and 26 other states have already passed right to work laws. It’s time for the federal government to follow their lead,” Paul said.
Alabama has maintained right-to-work status since 1953. In 2016, Alabama voters reinforced this stance by approving a constitutional amendment affirming the policy.
The legislation is cosponsored by Senators Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), and Mike Lee (R-Utah).
The introduction of the National Right to Work Act is expected to spark debate among lawmakers and labor organizations regarding its potential impact on workers’ rights, union representation, and workplace dynamics.
