A win for American workers — Senate votes down Biden’s labor policy czar
American workers scored a big win — one you probably didn’t hear about.
A few weeks ago, the Senate voted against the confirmation of Biden holdover Lauren McFerran for another term as chair of the National Labor Relations Board.
This is a huge win for American workers.
You might not have heard about the NLRB before, but this government body has huge sway over the day-to-day lives of tens of millions of American workers as the agency in charge of settling labor disputes and overseeing union elections.
During her time as chair, McFerran pushed for policies that facilitated intimidation against workers, empowered special interests, diminished economic opportunities, and punished free speech.
Last November, the American people voted against the disastrous policies of the Biden administration. Thanks to the vote against McFerran, President-elect Trump and the incoming Senate will have the opportunity to deliver the change Americans voted for.
Americans for Prosperity and The LIBRE Initiative mobilized a powerful coalition of like-minded organizations to urge the Senate to protect American workers and oppose McFerran’s re-nomination. This would have left the board in control of Biden nominees for over two years into the Trump administration.
Here’s why last week’s vote was a major win for American workers.
MCFERRAN FOUGHT AGAINST ENTREPRENEURS AND FREELANCERS
Imposing barriers for workers and businesses puts millions of jobs at risk — and McFerran launched a relentless offensive against economic opportunity during her term.
McFerran undermined the liberty of the more than 65 million freelancers by issuing rules restricting their ability to be independent workers even though a whopping 80% of those workers prefer that status to traditional work.
Small businesses were also under fire, as McFerran’s board tried (unsuccessfully) to end franchising as we know it by issuing the joint-employer rule, which would have effectively turned thousands of small business owners into midlevel managers working for big corporations.
McFerran’s exit from the NLRB is great news for the millions of freelancers or small business owners in America.
MCFERRAN SIDED WITH SPECIAL INTERESTS OVER WORKERS
The outgoing administration talked a big game about defending American workers.
In reality, it worked hard to protect special interests — and Lauren McFerran was their first line of attack.
- She tried to make union elections less democratic by pushing for a “card-check” process instead of a secret ballot. Card checks are a nightmare for American workers, as they allow unions to trick, harass, and intimidate employees in their homes into signing cards.
- McFerran put special interests above the civil rights of Americans. She defended flagrant violations of the Civil Rights Act to protect abusive behavior from labor unions while also infringing on the free speech rights of business owners.
Washington shouldn’t use its power to help union bosses muscle their way into the workplace while silencing workers.
A NEW DAY FOR AMERICAN WORKERS
The year ahead presents a major opportunity to drive a pro-growth policy agenda that empowers every American to pursue the career that works best for them.
During his first term, Trump appointed pro-freedom members to the NLRB who fought to build a prosperous economy for millions of American workers.
If he continues down the same path, the NLRB could undo much of the damage of the last four years and help workers and businesses thrive.
The Trump administration will have a golden opportunity to push for policies that empower workers, reduce federal overreach, enhance worker flexibility, protect local businesses, and build a thriving economy.
Alongside millions of activists like you, we’re ready to seize this critical moment and push for common-sense labor reform that protects American workers and helps build a prosperous future for America.
If you want to join AFP in our fight for worker freedom, click here to learn how you can join the movement.
