offering advancement and opportunity to all workers and its ability to rebuild our economy and revive our nation ,” he said in a statement .
Construction trade unions said they view the bill as empowering the American workforce by granting benefits to employees who have not had them in the past , while ensuring all of those benefiting from the union are paying dues .
“ It ’ s OK for employer organizations to be opposed to [ the PRO Act ] — it is a workers bill ,” said James Williams Jr ., general vice president at large for the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades . “ It ’ s designed to change some of the labor laws in this country and benefit the average working person and bridge the gap . To give the workers their voices back .”
Will it Become Law ?
Despite the new Democratic majority in the Senate , the fate of the PRO Act is not guaranteed . Republicans could use a filibuster to derail the bill , which means that at least 60 senators — nine more than a simple majority — would be needed to move the legislation to a vote . Under that scenario , Democrats would likely not have enough votes required to bring the bill for a vote , which means the PRO Act could languish in the Senate , according to Kristen Swearingen , vice president of legislative and political affairs at ABC .
Nevertheless , even if the PRO Act stalls in the Senate , elements may find their way into other pieces of legislation or agency guidance such as the revision to “ employee ” definitions or abolishing right-to-work laws in states .
For instance , the push to increase the federal minimum wage to $ 15 an hour is a huge talking point for many Democratic elected officials . Even if the act doesn ’ t pass , it would not take much for President Joe Biden to implement a $ 15-an-hour wage on federal projects for federal contractors via executive action , something Jimmy Christianson , vice president of government relations for the AGC , said he anticipates .
“ We are now having to play offense on everything because the reality is the dozens of provisions in this bill are likely to make their way into other pieces of legislation ,” Christianson told Construction Dive before the bill ’ s reintroduction .
Implications for Construction
As the PRO Act returns to the national spotlight , here is a broad look into the biggest parts of the bill and how they will affect contractors , trades workers and construction employers if it passes :
Redefining employees . The PRO Act would change the definition of an “ employee .” As a result , many workers who are currently labeled as “ independent contractors ” would become “ employees ,” and therefore , qualify for union representation , benefits and higher wages .
“ This is likely the issue that will have the biggest effect on contractors if the PRO Act is passed ,” said Elliot Haney , attorney at Cotney Construction Law .
Under the PRO Act , workers are considered employees unless they are free from control and direction from the employer . If a worker is on a jobsite , it ’ s reasonable to expect employers are responsible for them .
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