Political Quotes

“Mr. Chairman, I rise today to offer a very simple and straightforward amendment. This amendment does not alter the critical provisions of this legislation, but it does provide clarity about what the PRO Act will and will not do, as well as recognizes State efforts when it comes to employee rights and standards. The PRO Act does not govern in any way the definition of who is an employee for the workplace protections related to minimum wages, overtime, or unemployment insurance. Under the PRO Act, the definition of who is an employee only applies to who is eligible to join a union and collectively bargain. If a worker is an employee under the PRO Act, they will have the right to join or refrain from union representation, engage in collective bargaining and bargain over the terms and conditions of their work. As we know, employment status varies under Federal and State statutes. Thus, an individual can be an employee under one law and remain an independent contractor for the purposes of another. I have a deep respect for State authority and believe that, as we address Federal NLRA standards, it is important to thoughtfully assess the 20 States that have taken differing actions currently relying on some version of the ABC test to determine their own worker protection eligibility. This straightforward amendment I am offering today does not end the discussion on the ABC test but helps clarify the benefits of the PRO Act and sets our country on a path to support workers. Mr.…”