Washington, D.C. — This week, the Protecting the Right to Organize Act was reintroduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Representatives Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (D-VA-03) and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-01). A companion bill was introduced in the U.S. Senate by Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT).

This bill would undo right-to-work laws across the country and implement new restrictions on independent contractors nationwide.

Patrice Onwuka, director of the Center for Economic Opportunity at Independent Women’s Forum, released the following statement:

“The PRO Act is anti-woman and anti-worker. The left aims to shoehorn every American into a traditional job just so that he or she can be unionized. Women are revolting against one-size-fits-all work arrangements. As mothers, caregivers, entrepreneurs, survivors, and small business owners, women are choosing to create careers that fit their unique circumstances. Women want flexibility, autonomy, fulfillment, and independence; and they find it through freelancing. The PRO Act’s crackdown on independent contracting will take away their preferred work choices. As we start Women’s History Month, leave it to a bunch of out-of-touch lawmakers to celebrate by forcing women back into antiquated work paradigms.”

Gabriella Hoffman, senior fellow with Independent Women’s Forum and freelance media strategist and columnist, released this statement:

“As more Americans—especially women—choose and seek out flexible work arrangements, laws should reflect the times. The PRO Act would undermine the growth of independent contracting and gig work. Over 60 million Americans, or 39% of the U.S. workforce, now freelance in some capacity. That’s made possible by the right-to-work. The PRO Act, if passed, would coerce workers back into traditional work arrangements that don’t foster a work-life balance. Both single and married women are increasingly prioritizing flexibility and freedom in their careers. I choose the freelance lifestyle because it’s empowering and it allows me to be my best negotiator. Ultimately, the PRO Act would deny women like me choices and imperil the burgeoning freelance economy’s $1.3 trillion footprint.”

Karen Anderson, visiting fellow with Independent Women’s Forum and founder of Freelancers Against AB5, released this statement:

“The PRO Act would deploy California’s onerous ABC test into federal law. We’ve seen the disaster in California that AB5 and the ABC test has wrought on countless small businesses and independent professionals across the state. It would be insanity to bring California’s failures to the nation.”

As part of its workforce campaign “Chasing Work,” Independent Women’s Forum has produced written profiles and mini-documentary videos of American workers who have been negatively affected by AB5 and other restrictions on worker freedom and flexibility.

To learn more, visit: https://www.iwf.org/chasing-work-independent-contractors 

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Independent Women’s Voice fights for women by expanding support for policy solutions that aren’t just well intended, but actually enhance freedom, opportunities, and well-being.
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Independent Women’s Forum is dedicated to developing and advancing policies that aren’t just well intended but actually enhance people’s freedom, choices, and opportunities.