The Hidden Reality

While Congress debates pro-union versus anti-union policies, 170 million American workers remain unprotected in their fundamental right to negotiate collectively with employers. This represents 90% of our workforce—people who want nothing more than fair compensation and safe working conditions, and have no intention of unionizing, yet fear exercising their existing Section 7 rights.

The Current Blind Spot

Congress is caught in a political battle that serves only 10% of workers (those already unionized) while inadvertently harming the vast majority of workers. Pro-union legislation primarily benefits organized labor, while anti-union actions strip protections from the 90% who aren’t union members but desperately need collective action rights to survive economically.

The Missed Opportunity

Section 7 of the National Labor Relations Act already guarantees every American worker the right to “act collectively”—whether through a union or simply by banding together with coworkers in the breakroom. However, without timely enforcement and real consequences for employer retaliation, these rights exist only on paper.

A Path to Leadership

This isn’t about choosing sides in the union debate. It’s about fulfilling your duty to protect all American workers. By strengthening enforcement of existing Section 7 rights, Congress can:

1. Protect 170 Million Workers: Give real teeth to collective action rights that already exist in law
2. Restore Economic Dignity: Enable workers to negotiate fair wages without risking financial ruin
3. Level the Playing Field: Ensure workers can stand as equals with employers at the negotiating table
4. Reduce Public Assistance Burdens: Help workers achieve self-sufficiency through collective bargaining power

The Solution Within Reach

The framework for protection already exists—Section 7 needs only effective enforcement mechanisms. This means a rapid resolution of grievances (within weeks, not years), meaningful penalties for retaliation, and clear education for workers about their rights.

Why This Matters Now

Millions of Americans are working in fear, avoiding credit card debt and payday loans while their employers direct them toward food stamps. They’re not asking for handouts—they’re asking for the ability to negotiate collectively for the wages and conditions they’ve earned.

A Legacy of True Leadership

By focusing on protecting all workers rather than taking sides in the union debate, Congress can demonstrate a genuine commitment to the well-being of American workers. This isn’t about being pro-union or anti-union—it’s about being pro-worker.

The U.S. Workers Alliance is prepared to work with Congress to develop solutions that honor our constitutional values of free speech, association, and economic opportunity. We seek partnership, not confrontation, in building a system where every worker can exercise their existing rights without fear.

The question isn’t whether Congress stands with workers—it’s whether Congress will recognize that standing with workers means protecting all 170 million of them, not just the 10% currently represented by unions.

This is your opportunity to lead beyond the political divide and deliver absolute protection to the American workers who need it most.

The Transformative Power of Fear-Free Living Wage Negotiation

If American coworkers could negotiate a living wage with their employers without fear, the ripple effects would transform nearly every aspect of society, addressing problems that currently plague millions of households and communities.

Economic Stability and Poverty Reduction

The most immediate impact would be the dramatic reduction in economic insecurity that currently defines so many American lives. Workers living paycheck to paycheck would finally have the breathing room to build emergency savings, reducing the constant anxiety that comes from knowing one unexpected expense could lead to financial ruin. This stability would ripple through families, decreasing stress-related health issues, improving child development outcomes, and strengthening community bonds as fewer families face the devastating choice between necessities like housing, healthcare, and food.

Enhanced Workplace Dynamics and Fairness

Fear-free wage negotiation would fundamentally rebalance the power dynamics that currently skew heavily in favor of employers. Workers could advocate for compensation that reflects their actual value and contribution without risking retaliation or job loss. This would likely lead to more transparent compensation practices across industries, as employers would need to justify their wage structures more rigorously. The result would be a more meritocratic system where compensation aligns more closely with skills, responsibilities, and market value rather than exploiting employees’ desperation or lack of alternatives.

Broader Economic Benefits and Growth

Contrary to the concerns often raised by business interests, widespread living wages would likely stimulate economic growth rather than hinder it. When low-wage workers earn more, they spend nearly all of it immediately on goods and services, creating increased demand that businesses need to meet. This increased consumer spending power would benefit local economies, particularly by creating a virtuous cycle of economic activity. Additionally, reduced employee turnover would save businesses significant costs associated with recruitment, training, and lost productivity during transitions.

Social and Community Transformation

The societal benefits extend beyond individual households and workplaces. Communities with higher living wages tend to experience lower crime rates, improved health outcomes, and more robust educational systems. Children in economically stable homes tend to perform better in school and have higher graduation rates, thereby breaking intergenerational cycles of poverty. Tax revenues would increase while the need for social safety net programs would decrease, allowing for more strategic public investment in infrastructure, education, and community development.

Challenges and Implementation Considerations

Of course, implementing such a system would require addressing legitimate concerns about small businesses’ ability to compete and potential inflationary effects. However, these challenges could be addressed through phased approaches, targeted support for small businesses, and policies that ensure productivity gains match wage growth. The long-term benefits of reduced social costs and increased economic activity are likely to outweigh the short-term adjustment challenges.

The transformation you describe represents not just an economic policy shift, but a reimagining of the social contract between workers and employers—one based on dignity, respect, and shared prosperity rather than fear and exploitation. It’s a vision that addresses the root causes of economic inequality, offering a path toward a more stable and thriving society for all Americans.