The Wall Street Journal and SHRM Turn to Labor Relations Co-Chairs for Insight on Major Workplace Bill

The U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill Feb. 6 that would change labor law in many ways. Secret-ballot union elections could be more easily bypassed by signing union authorization cards, classifying workers as independent contractors would be more difficult, and an expansive definition of "joint employer" would be revived. These three provisions are just a few of the changes that would result from the passage of the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act. In interviews with The Wall Street Journal and SHRM, Steve Bernstein and Todd Lyon, co-chairs of Fisher Phillips Labor Relations practice, explain what the bill includes and its potential impact. 

Todd notes that the bill would propose significant changes including banning class-action waivers in arbitration agreements and requiring mandatory collecting bargaining agreements when parties fail to reach an agreement. While Steve explained that “the bill is designed as a litmus test for lawmakers. Democrats recognize that organized labor had an impact on the outcome of the last election.” 

To read the full articles, visit The Wall Street Journal and SHRM.