Ellison Statement On Opposition to H.R. 3094 (Workforce Democracy and Fairness Act)

Statement

Rep. Keith Ellison (MN-05) released the following statement after voting against H.R. 3094, the Workforce Democracy and Fairness Act. This bill reverses nationally instituted labor rules that allow union elections to happen in a timely manner after a petition is filed to form a union:

"Today, House Republicans brought a bill to the floor that would undermine the basic democratic rights of workers. This bill would mandate undue delay in elections for labor unions, and encourage frivolous litigation to block employees from exercising their right to join a union. Fifteen percent Minnesotans are currently union members, but countless others have been denied the right to form one.

"Minnesota is in a jobs crisis, and instead of putting Americans back to work, Republicans are crafting another giveaway to corporations. Unions have fought for the weekend, sick leave, and safe workplaces. Americans join unions so they're not on their own when it comes time to negotiate for the fair pay and decent benefits they need to take care of their families.

"This bill strikes at the core of what Americans are protesting across the country: domination of corporations over our politics. It's time our leaders sided with 99 percent of the country, instead of attacking their labor rights."

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