Representative Rick Allen, Republican of Georgia, reportedly introduced legislation this week aimed at curbing the influence of labor unions while expanding what he described as “freedom of choice” for workers.
The proposal, known as the Employee Rights Act of 2025, seeks to overhaul elements of federal labor law and impose new restrictions on how unions operate.
The bill would allow employees in unionized workplaces greater control over their participation, including the ability to withhold personal information from union organizers.
It would also require unions to obtain workers’ explicit permission annually before using dues for political purposes, a shift from current practices where such funds are often deducted automatically.
Allen characterized the legislation as a necessary modernization of a system he said was rooted in outdated policies. “Workers deserve the right to choose how they engage with unions,” he said, casting the bill as a safeguard for individual rights.
The measure includes provisions that would criminalize acts of union-related violence or intimidation, and prohibits the inclusion of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) demands in collective bargaining agreements.
Supporters argue the legislation provides transparency and protects workers from being pressured into union membership or political activity they do not support.
“This is about giving employees a real say in what their representation looks like,” Allen stated during a press event.
Critics, however, see the bill as part of a broader effort by conservative lawmakers to weaken labor protections. Labor advocates warn the proposal could have far-reaching consequences, undermining collective bargaining and tilting power further toward employers.
“This isn’t about worker empowerment—it’s about union suppression,” said one Democratic lawmaker, adding that the bill would make organizing even more difficult, particularly in states like Georgia where union membership remains low.
The legislation follows a recent wave of state-level measures in Georgia, including a law requiring secret-ballot union elections for companies receiving state subsidies—rules labor groups argue are designed to impede organizing efforts.
While the bill may gain traction among Republican lawmakers and business interests, its prospects in the Senate remain uncertain.
Still, with the GOP controlling both chambers of Congress and the White House, proponents are optimistic that it could represent a turning point in national labor law.
As the debate intensifies, the bill has emerged as a flashpoint in the struggle between worker representation and conservative visions of labor reform, setting the stage for a contentious political fight in the months ahead.
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