First Rhode Island Regiment Congressional Gold Medal Act
In Committee
Introduced:Nov 5, 2025
Primary Sponsor
Bernard Sanders
I - VT
Cosponsors
48
Quick Stats
Policy Area
Labor and Employment
Summary
This bill aims to strengthen the rights of workers to organize and collectively bargain with their employers. It expands the definitions of who counts as an 'employee' and 'employer', making it easier for more workers to join labor unions. The bill also protects workers' ability to participate in strikes, including strikes organized by different unions, and prevents employers from taking certain actions to discourage union membership.
Latest Action
Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 133.
AI Summary
Plain-English explanation of this bill
This bill aims to strengthen the rights of workers to organize and collectively bargain with their employers. It expands the definitions of who counts as an 'employee' and 'employer', making it easier for more workers to join labor unions. The bill also protects workers' ability to participate in strikes, including strikes organized by different unions, and prevents employers from taking certain actions to discourage union membership.
Last updated: 12/29/2025
Official Summary
Congressional Research Service summary
<p><strong><b>Richard L. Trumka</b> Protecting the Right to Organize Act of 20</strong><b>23</b></p> <p>This bill expands various labor protections related to employees' rights to organize and collectively bargain in the workplace.</p> <p>Specifically, it revises the definitions of <i>employee</i>, <i>supervisor</i>, and<i> employer</i> to broaden the scope of individuals covered by the fair labor standards; permits labor organizations to encourage participation of union members in strikes initiated by employees represented by a different labor organization (i.e., secondary strikes); and prohibits employers from bringing claims against unions that conduct such secondary strikes.</p> <p>The bill also allows collective bargaining agreements to require all employees represented by the bargaining unit to contribute fees to the labor organization for the cost of such representation, notwithstanding a state law to the contrary, and it expands unfair labor practices to include prohibitions against replacement of, or discrimination against, workers who participate in strikes.</p> <p>The bill makes it an unfair labor practice to require or coerce employees to attend employer meetings designed to discourage union membership and prohibits employers from entering into agreements with employees under which employees waive the right to pursue or a join collective or class-action litigation.</p> <p>Finally, the bill addresses the procedures for union representation elections, modifies the protections against unfair labor practices that result in serious economic harm, and establishes penalties and permits injunctive relief against entities that fail to comply with National Labor Relations Board orders.</p> <p>
Key Points
Main provisions of the bill
Broadens the definitions of 'employee', 'supervisor', and 'employer' to cover more workers under labor protections
Allows labor unions to support strikes initiated by workers represented by other unions (known as 'secondary strikes')
Bans employers from holding mandatory meetings to discourage union membership
Expands unfair labor practices to include replacing or discriminating against workers who participate in strikes
Establishes penalties and allows injunctions against entities that fail to comply with labor board orders
How This Impacts Americans
Potential effects on citizens and communities
If this bill becomes law, it would make it easier for more American workers to join and participate in labor unions. This could lead to increased collective bargaining power for workers, potentially resulting in higher wages, better benefits, and improved working conditions across various industries. The bill would primarily impact private sector workers who currently face challenges in organizing and negotiating with their employers.
Policy Areas
Primary Policy Area
Labor and Employment
Related Subjects
Administrative law and regulatory procedures
Administrative remedies
Civil actions and liability
Congressional oversight
Employee benefits and pensions
Employment discrimination and employee rights
Government studies and investigations
Health care costs and insurance
Judicial review and appeals
Labor-management relations
+3 more
Scope & Jurisdiction
Jurisdiction Level
federal
Congressional Session
119th Congress
Citation Reference
567, 119th Congress (2025). "First Rhode Island Regiment Congressional Gold Medal Act". Source: Voter's Right Platform. https://votersright.org/bills/118-s-567