Duckworth, Durbin Introduce Legislation to Provide A Better Deal for American Workers

Statement

As working families across the country struggle to achieve basic economic security and income inequality reaches its highest level since the Great Depression, U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and Dick Durbin (D-IL) joined a number of Senate and House Democrats in introducing legislation to provide a better deal for American workers and strengthen workers' rights to collectively bargain. The Workers' Freedom to Negotiate Act contains much-needed reforms that would make it easier for workers to form a union and collectively bargain for better pay and safer working conditions. The legislation is a stark contrast to efforts by the Trump Administration and Congressional Republicans to maximize corporate profits, cut taxes for the wealthy and roll back crucial labor rights designed to protect American workers.

"Corporate profits are soaring but across our state, too many Illinoisans are being left behind. We need to ensure every American has the chance to work a good-paying job that allows them to support their families and save for a secure retirement," said Duckworth. "This legislation will help Illinoisans do just that by making sure every person who wants to organize a union and collectively bargain for better wages and safer workplace conditions has the opportunity to do so."

"Workers' rights have come under attack by Republicans in Congress to stack the deck in favor of big corporations and special interests. Middle class families feel that the system isn't working for them anymore," Durbin said. "I'm proud to join the Democratic caucus in introducing this bill that will restore and protect the foundational labor rights this country was built on - like fair wages and access to health care. American workers are the best in the world and they deserve to know we have their backs."

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