SAFE Workers Act
STATUS:
House of Representatives: Introduced on July 2, 2020 and referred to the House Committee on Education and Labor
Analysis
Would undo the harmful prohibition of electronic voting in union elections and require the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) to conduct elections remotely due to the public health risks of in-person voting during the coronavirus pandemic.
Protects worker safety by
repealing a 2012 appropriations rider that prohibits developing electronic voting infrastructure;
directing the NLRB to create a system and procedures for electronic voting in union elections;
requiring the NLRB to use their newly developed electronic voting system during the pandemic (or to use mail-ballots in the exceptional cases where electronic voting may be impractical);
requiring use of the National Mediation Board’s existing system if the NLRB cannot stand their system up within 60 days; and
dedicating $1,000,000 in funding for the NLRB to develop the appropriate system and procedures.
“COVID-19 has drastically changed the daily lives of hard-working Americans. It is more important than ever to make sure that workers’ rights are protected, and that we can ensure their health and safety. The NLRB must guarantee that workers across the country can exercise their right to organize during the COVID-19 pandemic and that fair elections are held.”
CONGRESSIONAL SUPPORT
House of Representatives
INTRODUCED BY:
Rep. Andy Levin [D-MI-9]
CO-SPONSORS:
