Institute for the American Worker (I4AW) Releases “How To Empower Workers” Report

Institute for the American Worker (I4AW) Releases “How To Empower Workers” Report, authored by AFP Employment Fellow Austen Bannan.  

In response to an ever-evolving modern economy and rising calls by many leaders to double down on dated labor laws that advance top down governmental and union power, I4AW released a new report presenting an alternative pro-worker agenda that expands choice and opportunity to those who need it most – America’s workers.  

In the report, I note that workers today are increasingly chasing permission instead of opportunity because current labor policies are misaligned with what workers need to best thrive in the modern economy.  

The report contrasts problematic policies like the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act that advance union leader and government agency powers with a broad range of labor policy reforms that instead empower workers directly in both union and non-union policies.

• The Employee Rights Act (ERA), which AFP, I4AW, and others have continually championed as the most transformative labor reform agenda in Congress. See: https://americansforprosperity.org/policy-corner/afp-advancing-worker-empowerment-including-supporting-the-employee-rights-act-in-congress-with-coalition/  

• The Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pension (HELP) Committee’s new pro-worker labor agenda, led by Sens. Bill Cassidy, Tim Scott, and Tommy Tuberville. This agenda restores power and choice to workers over union leaders when it comes to representation in American workplaces. See: https://americansforprosperity.org/policy-corner/afp-backs-transformative-labor-reform-package-from-chairman-cassidy-la-senate-help-committee-members/  

• A wide variety of reforms that touch on AFP’s labor priorities in its Roadmap to Unleash America’s Full Potential Through Energy, Labor and Technology Policy. Those include Modernizing Employment Classification, Protecting Worker Choice, Expanding Flexible Scheduling, and Expanding Access to Portable Benefits.  

I end the report making the case that: “Workers who are equipped with an updated labor policy framework won’t need to rely on the decisions of Washington politicians or union leaders. Instead, workers will be empowered to associate with the businesses and institutions that help them lead productive and fulfilling lives in the modern economy. Through giving Americans and their families choice and flexibility, we will create the best outcomes so that everyone can chase the American Dream—without needing anyone’s permission but their own.” 

Check out the report, and a great resource web page outlining the key reforms and legislation.