Lost in Your Eyes

A Bill To establish a federal right-to-work law, protecting the rights of workers to decide whether to join or financially support a labor organization as a condition of employment. Section 1. Short Title This Act may be cited as the “National Right to Work Act.” Section 2. Findings and Purpose (a) Findings Congress finds that: 1. The right of individuals to seek and maintain employment without being compelled to join or financially support a labor organization is a fundamental freedom. 2. Compulsory union membership or dues as a condition of employment restricts individual liberty and economic opportunity. 3. Protecting workers from coercion fosters economic growth, fairness, and workplace freedom. (b) Purpose The purpose of this Act is to safeguard the rights of workers to choose whether to participate in or support a labor organization, without undue interference from employers, unions, or government entities. Section 3. Prohibition on Compulsory Union Membership or Fees (a) Amendment to the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) Section 8 of the National Labor Relations Act (29 U.S.C. § 158) is amended by adding the following: “(h) It shall be an unfair labor practice for any employer or labor organization to require an employee, as a condition of employment or continued employment: 1. To become or remain a member of a labor organization; 2. To pay dues, fees, assessments, or other charges of any kind to a labor organization; or 3. To pay any equivalent amount to a third party in lieu of such payments to a labor organization.” (b) Amendment to the Railway Labor Act (RLA) Section 2 of the Railway Labor Act (45 U.S.C. § 152) is amended by adding the following subsection: “Eleventh. No employee shall be required, as a condition of employment or continued employment: 1. To join or remain a member of a labor organization; 2. To pay dues, fees, assessments, or other charges to a labor organization; or 3. To pay any equivalent amount to a third party in lieu of such payments to a labor organization.” Section 4. Enforcement and Remedies (a) Any person subjected to a violation of this Act may file a complaint with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) or, for industries covered by the Railway Labor Act, with the National Mediation Board. (b) Remedies for violations of this Act may include reinstatement, compensatory damages, and injunctive relief, as appropriate. Section 5. Preemption of State Law This Act supersedes any state law that permits agreements requiring membership in a labor organization or the payment of dues, fees, or other charges as a condition of employment. Section 6. Severability If any provision of this Act or its application to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the remainder of the Act and its application to other persons or circumstances shall not be affected. Section 7. Effective Date This Act shall take effect 180 days after the date of its enactment. Section 8. Definitions As used in this Act: (a) “Labor organization” means any organization, agency, union, or employee representation committee that exists for the purpose of dealing with employers concerning wages, hours, and other terms and conditions of employment. (b) “Employer” includes any person acting as an agent of an employer, directly or indirectly. (c) “Employee” means any individual employed by an employer. Section 9. Authorization of Appropriations There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out this Act.

Nay to both.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Senator Vinachelli Stands Up For New Jersey Kids WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Vinachelli cast a deciding vote today to prevent a bill that would have robbed New Jersey children of federal resources for public schools across the state. The bill would have restricted federal funds from ‘any school’ that incorporates learning about racism as a social construct in its curriculum. Senator Vinachelli spoke on the floor about his opposition: ‘While I strongly support parent’s rights and believe we need to do more to keep parents informed and engaged in what is going on in their child’s classroom, this bill, as written, would unfairly penalize New Jersey kids by directing federal funds away from our state because of the decisions of former state leaders.’ Senator Vinachelli is concerned that state laws requiring New Jersey schools to highlight diversity, equity, and inclusion and offer Black History classes would put the state in violation of the federal law and lose out on even more federal dollars than the state already does. ‘New Jersey is one of the most diverse states in the nation and we are proud of that heritage,’ Vinachelli said. Senator Vinachelli pledged to work with parent’s rights groups to advocate for greater transparency and involvement for their kids in the classroom so long as it does not shortchange vital support for students enrolled in our K-12 system. ‘I cannot support making New Jersey children pay the price over state policy,’ Vinachelli said. ###