H.R.2572 - Worker Enfranchisement Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.2572, the "Worker Enfranchisement Act," aims to amend the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) by mandating secret ballot elections with a minimum two-thirds voter turnout for the selection of employee representatives. This bill was introduced in the House of Representatives on April 1, 2025, and referred to the Committee on Education and Workforce. The core change requires that a union or other representative can only be recognized if chosen by a majority in a secret ballot election where at least two-thirds of eligible employees participate.
Expected Effects
The likely effect of this bill is to increase the requirements for union certification. This could make it more difficult for unions to be recognized as bargaining representatives. The bill also stipulates that the amendments will apply to elections occurring six months after the enactment date.
Potential Benefits
- Potentially ensures that union representation truly reflects the will of a substantial majority of employees.
- May reduce the possibility of coercion or undue influence in union elections through the use of secret ballots.
- Could lead to greater employee engagement and participation in decisions regarding union representation.
- Might foster a more democratic and transparent process for selecting employee representatives.
- Could increase worker confidence in the legitimacy of their representation.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Could make it significantly harder for workers to unionize, as the two-thirds participation threshold may be difficult to achieve.
- May disproportionately affect smaller workplaces or industries with high employee turnover.
- Could lead to decreased union representation, potentially weakening worker bargaining power.
- Might increase the administrative burden and costs associated with union elections.
- Could be perceived as an attempt to undermine the NLRA and weaken the labor movement.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's requirement for secret ballot elections and employee participation aligns with general principles of democratic representation, though the Constitution does not explicitly address labor relations. The First Amendment protects the rights of association and assembly, which could be interpreted to support or challenge aspects of this bill depending on how it affects workers' ability to organize and bargain collectively. The bill does not appear to infringe on any specific constitutional provision, but its impact on labor rights could raise concerns about fairness and equity.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).