Congress·In Committee·H.R. 2572

Rep. Onder Introduces Worker Enfranchisement Act to Require High Turnout in Union Votes

Worker Enfranchisement Act

12 months ago·View on Congress.gov

Legislative Progress

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Key Points

The bill requires that all union elections use secret ballots, preventing alternatives like card-check organizing where workers sign cards publicly to indicate union support.
From policy text
“no person shall be an exclusive representative of employees in such unit unless such person has been designated or selected as the exclusive representative of such employees by a majority of the voters in a secret ballot election”
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For a union election to count, at least two-thirds (66.7%) of all eligible workers must cast a vote. If fewer workers show up, the election is invalid and the union cannot be certified — even if everyone who voted said yes.
From policy text
“in which not less than two-thirds of such employees vote”
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Even with the two-thirds turnout threshold met, the union must still win a majority of those who voted to become the workers' official representative.
From policy text
“of the at least two-thirds of employees eligible to vote”
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The new rules would take effect six months after the bill becomes law, giving the National Labor Relations Board time to update its procedures.
From policy text
“The amendments made by this Act shall apply in relation to elections occurring on or after the date that is 6 months after the date of enactment of this Act.”
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Labor Employment

Impact Analysis

Personal Impact

Who is affectedScoreImpactCertaintyScopeDurationSentiment

Scores: 1 = low, 5 = highSentiment: -5 to +5 (net benefit)

Milestones

2 milestones2 actions

Apr 1, 2025House

Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.

Apr 1, 2025

Introduced in House

What Happens Next

Projected impacts based on AI analysis

6 months after enactment

New union election rules take effect

Any union election held after this date must meet the two-thirds turnout requirement and use secret ballots. Elections with lower turnout will be invalid, making it harder for new unions to form.

Related News

5 articles

Washington Examiner·over 1 year ago

Republicans must give workers a voice

Rep. Tim Walberg introduced the Worker Enfranchisement Act to require a two-thirds quorum of eligible employees in unionization elections. This reform aims to close a loophole where unions can gain control of a workplace even if only a small fraction of the workforce participates in the vote.

CR+

National Review·12 months ago

Protect Workers' Right to Vote

Rep. Bob Onder argues for the Worker Enfranchisement Act, noting that current labor law allows unions to gain monopoly power over a workplace with minimal voter turnout. The bill mandates secret ballots and a two-thirds participation threshold to ensure unionization reflects the true will of workers.

R+

VitalLaw·9 months ago

HOUSE NEWS—HELP subcommittee hearing details role of NLRB in worker protection

A House subcommittee hearing examined the Worker Enfranchisement Act, which would mandate a two-thirds quorum for unionization elections. Rep. Bob Onder emphasized the bill's role in ensuring a strong majority of workers' voices are heard, while critics raised concerns about its impact on labor.