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These are the original issues in this subcategory
  • LABOR UNIONS
  • COLLECTIVE BARGAINING
  • FEDERAL CONTRACTORS
Winning Issue » FEDERAL CONTRACTORS


Most federal contracts require contractors to use unionized workers when hiring. Opponents of this policy claim these projects are more costly when only union labor is used. Supporters worry that if our federal government encourages the use of non-union labor, many states and companies will follow its example – which would lead to a “race to the bottom” of the labor market and reduce the living standards of many working Americans. Some claim these standards have already been eroded by private companies that receive taxpayer dollars for doing work for the government.

In 2018, the federal government awarded $500 billion to corporate contractors and, through them, subcontractors for services and construction projects. Studies show that many these contracts, loans, grants and property leases are awarded to contractors whose subcontractors pay low wages and provide few benefits to their employees - even as compensation for these company’s executives soar. Critics say these companies are using taxpayer dollars to fuel our nation’s low-wage economy and increase income inequality. These companies employ at least 2 million American workers who maintain federal buildings, work in its food and vending concessions, and operate our parks, museums and much more.

Proposed Legislation: Reintroduction of H.R.5073 - A Just Society: The Uplift Our Workers Act (116th Congress 2019-2020)
Prospective Sponsor: Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY)



Options


  • I oppose reforming current federal contractor hiring policy and wish to donate resources to the campaign committee of Speaker Mike Johnson (LA).
  • I support requiring an employer to be scored on worker-friendliness before entering into a federal contract, and ensuring contracts are awarded to union members, union shops or firms that allow workers to unionize by:

    1.) Developing a method to score the worker-friendliness of each prospective contractor or subcontractor that submits a bid for a federal contract that takes into account specified factors, such as whether the employer provides paid overtime for any work that exceeds 40 hours per work week.

    2.) Providing each executive agency with recommendations on how to evaluate such a score in making contracting decisions.

    3.) Identifying best practices for the implementation of the scoring process.

    4.) Creating a process for an employer to appeal a score.

    5.) Reviewing each score every five years to ensure that such score is up-to-date.

    And wish to donate resources to the campaign committee of Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY) and/or to an advocate group currently working with this issue.


Winning Option
  • I support requiring an employer to be scored on worker-friendliness before entering into a federal contract, and ensuring contracts are awarded to union members, union shops or firms that allow workers to unionize by:

    1.) Developing a method to score the worker-friendliness of each prospective contractor or subcontractor that submits a bid for a federal contract that takes into account specified factors, such as whether the employer provides paid overtime for any work that exceeds 40 hours per work week.

    2.) Providing each executive agency with recommendations on how to evaluate such a score in making contracting decisions.

    3.) Identifying best practices for the implementation of the scoring process.

    4.) Creating a process for an employer to appeal a score.

    5.) Reviewing each score every five years to ensure that such score is up-to-date.

    And wish to donate resources to the campaign committee of Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY) and/or to an advocate group currently working with this issue.
There has been $0.00 pledged in support of this issue
Trustee Candidates

If elected as a trustee, the campaign committee of Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY) will be unconditionally awarded the funds pledged to this issue along with a letter requesting her to favorably consider either reintroducing H.R.5073 - A Just Society: The Uplift Our Workers Act (116th Congress 2019-2020), or a similar version thereof.

If elected as a trustee, American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations will be awarded the funds pledged to this issue along with a letter requesting these funds be used to advocate for the use of union labor by federal contractors and subcontractors.

About: The American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO) works tirelessly to improve the lives of working people. We are the democratic, voluntary federation of 55 national and international labor unions that represent 12.5 million working men and women. We strive to ensure all working people are treated fairly, with decent paychecks and benefits, safe jobs, dignity, and equal opportunities. When NFIB speaks, legislators listen. They know that we bring them the voice of small business. That voice, hundreds of thousands strong, comes directly from NFIB’s members and our research—combined, they make a powerful and influential case for our advocacy.
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Trustee Election - Opening Date
November 4, 2024
Trustee Election - Closing Date
November 11, 2024