Romney, Colleagues Introduce the Employee Rights Act of 2022

Statement

U.S. Senator Mitt Romney (R-UT) today joined his colleagues, led by Senator Tim Scott (R-SC), in introducing the Employee Rights Act of 2022. The bill updates and modernizes the Employee Rights Act to protect independent contractors, franchisees, entrepreneurs, and anyone seeking flexible work options

"American workers are suffering the economic impacts of the highest rates of inflation in decades, and Democrats have responded with a proposal which would force more workers into unions that are more concerned with their own survival than protecting its members," Senator Romney said. "Our legislation will protect workers, support small businesses, and encourage innovation, which will equip us to compete and succeed in the 21st century global economy."

"The complexities of our modern economy demand creative, forward-thinking legislation that gives workers and small business owners stability and flexibility," said Senator Tim Scott. "The Democrats continue to push for legislation that prioritizes politics over people by protecting labor unions at the expense of workers. The Employee Rights Act puts workers back in the driver's seat by giving them basic protections and the power to choose how to make a living for themselves and build a future for their families. I am grateful to my colleagues who are joining me in this fight to make workers' voices heard in the halls of Congress."

"Americans increasingly expect their careers to provide them with flexibility, freedom, and the ability to pursue their own goals, especially as we face the highest inflation rates in decades and recover from the unprecedented economic strain of the pandemic," said Senator Burr. "It's unfortunate Democratic politicians are attempting to reshape America's workforce by discriminating against workers who do not wish to join a union. Instead, we should support policies that protect the successful franchise model and gig economy. This legislation does just that by modernizing our labor policies to match the needs of our evolving workforce. I'm proud to join my colleagues on this important legislation that reigns in Washington's desire to run businesses across the nation and supports innovation and job growth for years to come."

"When Democrats took control of the House, the Senate, and the White House, they inherited an economic rocket ship ready to take off," said Minority Leader Mitch McConnell. "Instead, they capitulated to special interests and pushed policies that have smothered the economy. The Employee Rights Act represents the Republican vision for the future of the American workforce: allow growth and innovation among the gig economy workforce; ensure labor laws protect workers, not union bosses; and ensure that Americans take home more of the money they earn."

Background:

Now, more than ever, America's workers and small business owners need flexibility, transparency, and basic protections to ensure they are provided opportunities to build a future for themselves and their families. At a time when labor force participation is low and inflation is skyrocketing, the Employee Rights Act of 2022 will cut red tape and make it easier for all workers to climb the economic ladder. Text of the legislation can be found here.

In addition to Romney and Scott, the Employee Rights Act of 2022 is cosponsored by Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee Ranking Member Richard Burr (R-NC), Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY), and Senators John Thune (R-SD), John Barrasso (R-WY), Mike Braun (R-IN), Roger Marshall (R-KS), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), Jim Risch (R-ID), Mike Crapo (R-ID), John Cornyn (R-TX), Steve Daines (R-MT), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Bill Hagerty (R-TN), John Boozman (R-AR), Roger Wicker (R-MS), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Tom Cotton (R-AR), Jim Inhofe (R-OK), and Ron Johnson (R-WI).

Source