Democracy Rules

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. John Tester (MT)

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. John Tester (MT) 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. John Tester (MT) and/or to an advocate group currently working with this issue.