Congress is returning to a compressed fall schedule with labor and employment policy moving on multiple fronts.
Congressional Democrats led by Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA), Rep. Bobby Scott (D-VA), and Rep. Jerry Nadler (D-NY) reintroduced the Restoring Justice for Workers Act (S. 5190), which would restrict mandatory pre-dispute arbitration agreements and class or collective action waivers in employment disputes. Manufacturers and construction companies are also among the employers affected by an updated Occupational Safety and Health Administration program targeting 55 industries with high risks of heat-related hazards.
Meanwhile, the Department of Homeland Security has proposed a $103,265 additional fee for cap-subject H-1B petitions, with comments due September 24. The Senate also confirmed James Macy and David Prouty to the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) on August 7.
The central dispute over worker rights centers on mandatory arbitration agreements that can prevent employees from pursuing employment-related claims collectively. The legislation would prohibit pre-dispute arbitration agreements and class or collective action waivers in employment disputes. The Senate bill has 16 cosponsors in addition to Murray. The Senate is not scheduled to return for legislative business until September 14, limiting the remaining time for floor action before the midterm elections.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) identified ...
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