Sen. Cramer, Colleagues Introduce the Employee Rights Act of 2022

Statement

U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) joined Senator Tim Scott (R-SC) in introducing the Employee Rights Act of 2022. The bill modernizes and updates the Employee Rights Act to protect independent entrepreneurs, contractors, franchisees, and anyone else pursuing flexible work options.

"Employees should always be top of mind, not union bosses. The Employee Rights Act protects American workers in our modern economy," said Senator Cramer.

"The complexities of our modern economy demand creative, forward-thinking legislation that gives workers and small business owners stability and flexibility," said Senator 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."

In addition to Senators Cramer and Scott, the Employee Rights Act of 2022 is also co-sponsored by Senators Richard Burr (R-NC), Mitch McConnell (R-KY), 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), Mitt Romney (R-UT), Tom Cotton (R-AR), Jim Inhofe (R-OK), and Ron Johnson (R-WI).

"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 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."

"Democrats in Washington have long bowed to the demands of union bosses by prioritizing radical labor policies that harm small businesses and workers," said Senator Thune. "I'm proud to join my colleagues in introducing this common-sense bill that would ensure workers' rights are protected against coercion from union bosses and provide a much-needed update to labor laws so they are more reflective of the modern economy."

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