Washington, April 19—Associated Builders and Contractors announced its strong support for the Employee Rights Act, which was introduced today in the 118th Congress by Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C., and Rep. Rick Allen, R-Ga.
With a primary objective to provide essential protections for workers’ rights, choices and freedoms, the ERA stands in stark contrast with the so-called Protecting the Right to Organize Act, which would drastically restructure America’s labor laws, damage the economy, cost millions of American jobs, threaten vital supply chains and greatly diminish opportunities for entrepreneurs and small businesses.
“In the face of an increasingly hostile regulatory environment for small businesses, the ERA is critical legislation that provides much-needed protection and clarity for our nation’s job creators and workforce,” said Kristen Swearingen, ABC vice president of legislative & political affairs. “It is essential that Congress acts to strengthen the rights, flexibility and privacy protections of workers, as laid out in the ERA, because the Biden administration—through the National Labor Relations Board and U.S. Department of Labor—is seeking to implement provisions of the PRO Act through regulatory action.”
ABC is supportive of the ERA provisions, such as:
- Ensuring the use of secret ballots in union elections;
- Stimulating local businesses and entrepreneurship opportunities;
- Defending worker choice and independent contractors;
- Protecting workers from unwanted political exploitation; and
- Safeguarding employee privacy.
On April 19, ABC sent a letter of support to representatives and senators, urging them to co-sponsor the ERA. The ABC-led Coalition for a Democratic Workplace also wrote a letter of support, as well as a diverse coalition of associations and organizations.
About ABC
Associated Builders and Contractors is a national construction industry trade association established in 1950 that represents more than 22,000 members. Founded on the merit shop philosophy, ABC and its 68 chapters help members develop people, win work and deliver that work safely, ethically and profitably for the betterment of the communities in which ABC and its members work. Visit us at abc.org.