A group of lawmakers recently introduced a bill to update the Employee Rights Act, offering protections for independent contractors, franchisees, entrepreneurs, and others with flexible work options.
U.S. Sen. Tim Scott recently (R-SC) joined U.S. Sen. Richard Burr (R-NC), U.S. Rep. Rick Allen (R-GA), and colleagues in detailing the Employee Rights Act of 2022.
“The complexities of our modern economy demand creative, forward-thinking legislation that gives workers and small business owners stability and flexibility,” Scott said. “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.”
The bill ensures labor laws protect workers and Americans take home more of the money they earn.
“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,” Burr, Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee ranking member, said. “We should support policies that protect the successful franchise model and gig economy.”
Allen, lead Republican on the Health, Employment, Labor and Pensions Subcommittee on the House Education and Labor Committee, said the legislation protects employees’ privacy, membership dues and the union election process.
“It also provides all employees, independent contractors, and new gig economy workers the necessary protections so they can focus solely on their jobs,” he said. “Our legislation is supported by dozens of national, state, and local organizations comprised of workers from across the nation.”