Americans for Prosperity Leads Employee Rights Act Coalition

Sep 3, 2025 by AFP

ARLINGTON, VA — Americans for Prosperity (AFP) today applauded Congress for introducing the Employee Rights Act (ERA), a landmark piece of legislation that puts workers—not special interests—at the center of labor policy. AFP is leading a coalition of 28 organizations in sending a letter to all lawmakers urging them to fully support and cosponsor the legislation. Click here to read the full coalition letter.

The ERA, reintroduced by Congressman Rick Allen (GA), modernizes outdated labor laws and empowers Americans to pursue opportunity on their own terms. The bill protects workers’ right to a secret ballot in union elections, safeguards independent work and small businesses, and ensures transparency and choice in union representation.

Brent Gardner, Chief Government Affairs Officer at Americans for Prosperity, issued the following statement:

“The Employee Rights Act is a long-overdue modernization of our labor laws that puts workers—not bureaucrats or union bosses—in control of their own futures. This bill protects the freedom to choose how and where to work, shields small businesses from regulatory overreach, and ensures transparency and accountability in workplace representation. Americans deserve a labor system built for today’s economy, not one stuck in the past.”

The Employee Rights Act includes key reforms that:

Protect workers’ right to a secret ballot in union elections.
Preserve flexible self-employment career-paths across American industries.
Protect small businesses that operate as franchises and vendors for other businesses.
Give workers control over their personal information during union campaigns.
Allow workers in Right-to-Work states to opt out of union representation.
Require opt-in consent for union political spending.
Prohibit mandatory DEI mandates in union contracts.
Ensure only citizens or authorized workers vote in union elections.

Americans for Prosperity urges Congress to swiftly pass the Employee Rights Act and deliver a pro-worker agenda that reflects the needs of today’s workforce.