Hearings to examine labor law reform part 1, focusing on diagnosing the issues and exploring current proposals.

Committee on Education

2025-10-08

Source: Congress.gov

Summary

The Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions convened to discuss diagnosing issues and exploring current proposals regarding labor laws in the United States . The meeting addressed the outdated nature of existing labor legislation and the need for new laws to support workers, unions, and businesses in the 21st-century economy . Various speakers presented diverse perspectives on the challenges faced by American workers and potential reforms .

Themes

Need for Labor Law Reform

Congress has not updated labor laws for nearly 100 years, despite significant changes in the workforce and economy . There is a general consensus on the necessity for new laws that benefit workers, unions, and businesses to enhance national competitiveness . Several speakers highlighted that the middle class is struggling and requires assistance [ 00:17:07-00:17:15 ] . Current labor laws, some dating back 75 years, do not accurately reflect modern workplaces, including remote work and flexible schedules . Divergent views were expressed on what constitutes "pro-worker" policies, ranging from empowering individual workers' freedom of association to supporting specific union-backed legislation . Some participants asserted that existing laws inadequately protect workers' rights and hinder collective bargaining .

Challenges in Union Organizing and Contract Negotiation

Workers frequently encounter substantial difficulties in forming unions and securing initial contracts, often due to employer tactics and legal obstacles . The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) is perceived by some as underfunded, understaffed, and ineffective in enforcing labor laws, leading to prolonged delays and unaddressed employer violations . Examples such as Volkswagen and Amazon were cited, where workers have waited years for a first contract after unionization . There was a debate on whether the current system is functional, with some arguing it rewards lawbreakers due to weak penalties . The proposed "Faster Labor Contracts Act" aims to introduce deadlines for contract negotiations and mandate mediation or arbitration to counteract stalling tactics . However, concerns were raised that mandatory arbitration could infringe upon workers' rights, diminish union influence, and potentially face legal challenges .

Impact of Corporate Practices and Economic Inequality

The discussion highlighted significant income and wealth inequality, noting that 60% of Americans live paycheck to paycheck and wages have stagnated over the past five decades . Large corporations, such as Amazon, faced criticism for their high profits, extensive CEO compensation, and low worker wages, alongside allegations of union-busting and unsafe working conditions . The role of artificial intelligence (AI) and automation was discussed as both a potential driver of productivity and a threat to job displacement . Accusations were made that some companies contribute to the burden on taxpayers by paying low wages, leading workers to rely on public healthcare programs [ 01:40:54-01:41:15 ]

Citation requires full transcript

Sign in to continue

Sign in
. A central theme was the importance of worker dignity and the ability of individuals to provide for their families .

Role of the NLRB and Government in Labor Disputes

The effectiveness and independence of the NLRB were subjects of debate . While some contended the system functions adequately when properly focused, others argued it is hampered by underfunding and political interference, thereby enabling employer abuses [ 01:35:14-01:35:17 ]

Citation requires full transcript

Sign in to continue

Sign in
. The constitutionality of the NLRB itself has been challenged by prominent figures like Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos . The administration's actions, including the firing of NLRB members and alleged attempts to influence decisions, were criticized for undermining the agency's independence and pro-worker stance . The ongoing government shutdown was highlighted as an instance of broader governmental disregard for workers, impacting federal employees and Department of Labor functions .

Bipartisan Solutions and Collaboration

A strong desire for bipartisan solutions to labor issues was expressed, emphasizing the importance of communication and consensus-building . The "Faster Labor Contracts Act" was presented as a bipartisan and bicameral legislative effort . Other legislative proposals discussed included the "Warehouse Worker Protection Act," "National Right to Work Act," "Employee Rights Act," and the "PRO Act" . The importance of reliable workforce data, training initiatives, and addressing challenges such as childcare was noted as crucial for worker participation . Discussions also touched upon areas for potential bipartisan agreement, including joint employer standards and H-1B visa abuses .

Tone of the Meeting

The meeting maintained a serious and concerned tone, characterized by a clear ideological division regarding labor issues, yet concurrently, a persistent call for bipartisan collaboration and practical solutions . There were moments of palpable frustration and sharp criticism directed at employer practices, government effectiveness, and political tactics, particularly concerning the challenges in unionization and contract negotiation . Conversely, appeals were made for greater collaboration and a focus on actionable solutions to address the pressing issues facing the American workforce .

Participants

Transcript

The Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions will please come to order.  Congress has not updated labor laws for nearly 100 years, but clearly the workforce has changed.  We need new labor laws.
We need labor laws that work for workers, unions, and businesses, making the United States competitive in a 21st century economy.
But blind adherence to decades-old status quo does a disservice to workers and families, and retreating to ideological corners is not the answer.
Middle class is being squeezed.  They need our help.
We must listen to everyone as we attempt to move forward.  The committee will be hearing from Mr. Kaplan, who was recently chair of the National Labor Relations Board and served in multiple other roles in government, designing and implementing labor policy.  Ms.  Gressler is a respected economist and a longtime advocate for reform.   Mr. O'Brien is president of the Teamsters Union, representing more than one million workers nationwide, many of whom I suspect voted for President Trump.  Mr. O'Brien has shown that he's willing to put aside traditional partisan labor politics to engage in a productive dialogue, even becoming friends with Mark Wayne Mullen, which is, I think, you know, kind of a testament to them both.   This is why President Trump invited Mr. O'Brien to speak at the Republican National Convention to reach working-class Americans who otherwise would never consider voting for President Trump.  But because of the President's leadership, we have a new coalition of workers, businesses, and unions united in the goal of making the country a better place.  Now, the witnesses will not agree with each other on everything, but you've got to start talking to build consensus.   I compare sometimes our political debate to a couple that needs therapy.  But the therapist will tell you, at first you've got to communicate.
So this is about communicating to build trust.
And today's discussion will inform us as policymakers to break through the noise and advance important, well-designed reforms.   Members of this committee, including Senators Hawley, Scott, Paul, Marshall, have ideas and have put forward bills or partnered on bills to address challenges in the workplace.
Democratic colleagues have proposed legislation as well.
I look forward to discussing everyone's idea in depth.  And it's important as we start the conversation.
When we say pro worker, it does not mean being pro union or pro employer.
Being pro worker is about empowering workers to exercise the constitutional freedom of association, protecting workers' rights when violated, and supporting the middle class in their pursuit to achieve the American dream for their families.   I want to help President Trump continue to deliver on his pro-worker, pro-family record.  Whether you are a union machinist in Michigan or an independent gator farmer in Louisiana, we want to help you compete in the 21st century.  This hearing is an important step in achieving this goal.
With that, Senator Sanders.
Thanks very much, Mr. Chairman, for calling this important hearing.  And I think the issues that I hope we can focus on   is why in the richest country in the history of the world, 60% of our people are living paycheck to paycheck.  Why today, Mr. Chairman, we have more income and wealth inequality than we have ever had in the history of this country.   why roughly speaking over the last 50 years, wages for American workers have been stagnant.  You know, when I was a kid, one worker in a family, I grew up in a working class family, my dad worked, never made any money, but he was able to pay the bills, one worker.  And now all over this country, if you're in the working class, very unusual if we don't have mom and dad both working and then worried about childcare and everything else.   So we're living in a country where the people on top are doing phenomenally well, more wealth, more power than ever before.  Working families struggle.  And we've got to ask, why is that?  How did that happen?  To my mind, one of the reasons is we have seen an attack on the working class, the likes of which we have never seen before.  I happen to believe that if the middle class is going to grow in this country, we need a strong government.   union movement.  And I'm proud that I have perhaps a stronger record supporting unions as any member of the United States Congress.  But today, as Jennifer Bruza will tell us, former attorney for the NLRB, if you are a worker out there, literally today, and you form a union and your company says, sorry, we don't recognize it, there's no NLRB to go to.   because the president has fired people, neutered the NLRB.  So right now it is literally, it's not impossible, workers can organize independently, go on strike, they can do that, and I think maybe Sean O'Brien will have something to say about that, but for the average worker now, very hard.
And you have some of the richest people in this country, Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos,   who are trying to declare the NLRB unconstitutional, unconstitutional, which gives workers very little support in their effort to form a union.

Sign up for free to see the full transcript

Accounts help us prevent bots from abusing our site. Accounts are free and will allow you to access the full transcript.

Sign up