LABOR »» WORKERS »» LABOR DISPUTES »» Jan 09, 2023

In 1894, American workers staged our first labor strike in Pullman, Illinois. Before it was over, more than 150,000 people were involved and federal troops would kill several protesters by indiscriminately shooting into crowds. Labor organizers say that throughout history, companies have employed harsh tactics including the use of force or replacement workers to punish strikers and end strikes. They claim company managers sometimes harass, intimidate and fire workers who attempt to organize co-workers or encourage strikes. As a bargaining chip, companies will sometimes suspend the health care benefits of striking workers. The 2019 United Auto Workers strike against General Motors provides the latest example of these tactics. After initially stating it would not pay for striking workers’ health care benefits, GM reversed its decision. Had it not done so, the burden of paying striking workers’ health insurance would have fallen on employees. This situation calls into question of who is responsible for the payment of the health insurance for workers who have stopped working to exercise their right to participate in a union strike. Proposed Legislation: Reintroduction of S.1549 - Labor Leave Act (116th Congress 2019-2020) Prospective Sponsor: Sen. Mazie Hirono (HI) I oppose reforming current labor dispute policy and wish to donate resources to the campaign committee of Leader Charles Schumer (NY). I support requiring an employer to maintain an employee's health care coverage during any period the employee takes family and medical leave when the employer engages in a lockout during the period of leave. (In this bill, "lockout" means a labor dispute involving a work stoppage, in which an employer withholds work from its employees in order to gain a concession from the employees.), and wish to donate resources to the campaign committee of Sen. Mazie Hirono (HI) and/or to an advocate group currently working with this issue.

Winning Option »» No issues were voted

I support requiring an employer to maintain an employee's health care coverage during any period the employee takes family and medical leave when the employer engages in a lockout during the period of leave. (In this bill, "lockout" means a labor dispute involving a work stoppage, in which an employer withholds work from its employees in order to gain a concession from the employees.), and wish to donate resources to the campaign committee of Sen. Mazie Hirono (HI) and/or to an advocate group currently working with this issue.

Trustee Candidates

Senator If elected as a trustee, the campaign committee of Sen. Mazie Hirono (HI) will be unconditionally awarded the funds pledged to this issue along with a letter requesting her to favorably consider either introducing S.1549 - Labor Leave Act (116th Congress 2019-2020), or a similar version thereof. American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees If elected as a trustee, American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees will be awarded the funds pledged to this issue along with a letter requesting these funds be used to advocate for requiring an employer to maintain an employee's health care coverage during any period the employee takes family and medical leave when the employer engages in a lockout during the period of leave. AFSCME has approximately 3,400 local unions and 58 councils and affiliates in 46 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. Each local writes its own constitution, designs its own structure, elects its own officers and sets its own dues. AFSCME advocates for fairness in the workplace, safety on the job, fair wages, good benefits, a secure retirement, excellence in public services and opportunity for all working families. The International Union, based in Washington, D.C., coordinates the union’s actions on major national issues such as privatization, fair taxes and health care. The International also provides resources to councils and local unions for organizing, bargaining, political action and education, and administers members-only benefits.

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