WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Jim Risch and Mike Crapo (both R-Idaho) joined Senator Tim Scott (R-South Carolina) in introducing the Employee Rights Act of 2023. The legislation seeks to protect independent contractors, franchisees, entrepreneurs and anyone seeking flexible work options by defending the rights of all workers, including those who decide it is not in their best interest to form or join a union.

“The Biden administration is determined to strip away workers’ rights and empower unions to override employees’ preferences,” said Risch. “An individual has the right to choose what is best for them when it comes to their work, personal information, and paychecks. If that is not a union, that worker should not be forced to unionize. Protecting workers and their rights is paramount to strengthening and supporting our economy.”

“In an ever-evolving workforce, it is necessary to update our national policies to match 21st century needs,” said Crapo. “Our goal is to reduce heavy-handed, one-size-fits all mandates from the federal government while promoting job creation. Coercing or forcing our gig workers or small businesses into job-killing union agreements stands in direct opposition to common-sense economy-building practices.”

The Employee Rights Act of 2023 is co-sponsored by Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee Ranking Member Bill Cassidy (R-La.), Senate Republican Whip John Thune (R-S.D.), Senators Mike Braun (R-Ind.), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), Bill Cassidy (R-La.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.) and Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.).

Representative Rick Allen (R-Georgia) is introducing companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Click here for full bill text.

The Employee Rights Act of 2023 is endorsed by the following groups:

Associated Builders and Contractors                                                             

American Experiment                                                                                         

Alaska Policy Forum

Americans for Prosperity                                                                                

Americans for Tax Return                                                                                 

ALEC Action

Beacon Impact

California Business and Industrial Alliance

California Policy Center

Center for Union Facts

Center for Individual Freedom

Club for Growth

Commonwealth Foundation

Competitive Enterprise Institute

Council for Citizens Against Government Waste

Freedom Foundation

Heritage Action for America

Independent Women's Voice

Institute for the American Worker

International Franchise Association

Job Creators Network

The LIBRE Initiative

Mackinac Public Policy Center

Maine Policy Institute

National Association of Manufacturers

National Federation of Independent Businesses

National Restaurant Association

National Taxpayers Union

Nevada Policy Research Institute

Open Competition Center

Retail Industry Leaders Association

RI Center for Freedom & Prosperity

US Chamber of Commerce

Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce

Workplace Policy Institute