Act Would Strengthen Union Rights and Improve Negotiations

The Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA), which represents more than 79,000 pilots, recently released a statement urging Congress to pass the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act. The legislature is crucial to strengthening the labor rights of workers.

"The right to organize has been fundamental in advancing safety and quality of life improvements for workers across the country,” stated ALPA president Capt. Jason Ambrosi. “ALPA pilots know first-hand the benefits of union membership and advocacy, and we stand in solidarity with those fighting for the right to collectively bargain.”

The Richard L. Trumka PRO Act, named after a former American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO) president, would make strides in the long-endured fight for improved bargaining rights. It would prevent employers from swaying union elections, discriminating against workers who participate in strikes, and stalling initial contract negotiations after 10 days.

The bill would also abolish the ‘right to work’ laws and give unions the right to take in dues to fund the bargaining process. Any employers who violate the PRO Act would be subject to penalties.

The PRO Act took the stage initially in 2019 and was reintroduced in 2021 and 2023. Though the legislation passed the House in both 2019 and 2021, it was ultimately shot down by Senators due to concerns for privacy and free speech rights. Now, the act has been pulled forward yet again, this time with bipartisan support.

"We urge Congress to pass the PRO Act which will help promote an economy that works for all working families. All workers deserve fair opportunities to negotiate for better working conditions, wages, and a more secure retirement,” Ambrosi continued. “The collective bargaining rights within the PRO Act are foundational for strong and vibrant communities and are vital for our nation's continued success."

ALPA is the largest airline pilot union in the world, representing nearly 80,000 pilots from 42 US and Canadian carriers. Since 1931, it has negotiated hundreds of contracts, including for Delta and Alaska in 2023 and WestJet in 2023. The organization has also played a major role in industry safety improvements by pushing for fatigue regulations, safety programs, technology upgrades, and more detailed investigations.

FMI: www.alpa.org