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Labor Groups Urge Nevada Legislature to Endorse PRO Act; Business Groups Warn of Worker Classification, 'Right‑to‑Work' Concerns
Summary
On May 1 the Senate Committee on Legislative Operations and Elections heard testimony on Assembly Joint Resolution 11, which urges Congress to pass the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act.
Lede: On May 1 the Senate Committee on Legislative Operations and Elections heard testimony on Assembly Joint Resolution 11, which urges Congress to pass the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act.
Nut graf: Union leaders said the PRO Act would update federal labor law to protect organizing, deter employer coercive tactics and reduce worker misclassification. Business and industry representatives warned that the measure would mandate changes (including reclassification of independent contractors and allowing secondary actions) that could harm small businesses and interfere with state 'right‑to‑work' traditions.
Body: The Nevada State AFL‑CIO and more than a dozen unions provided testimony in support. AFL‑CIO executive secretary‑treasurer Susie Martinez told the committee the measure defends working families across multiple industries and helps set industry standards that benefit all workers. Labor counsel and witnesses cited studies they said show higher median wages for unionized workers, lower workplace injuries and that the PRO Act would provide a private right of action and civil penalties to hold employers accountable for unfair labor practices.
Opponents included the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce and Associated Builders and Contractors. Paul Moratka of the Chamber said the business community opposes federal changes that would ban right‑to‑work protections and enable secondary boycotts. Kyle Bybee of the contractors’ association said the PRO Act could require reclassification of independent contractors as employees and force a ‘one‑size‑fits‑all’ model on industries where alternative arrangements exist.
Several union members and rank‑and‑file workers called in support from multiple worksites, including local letter carriers, hospitality workers and Amazon delivery employees who said they had faced employer opposition when attempting to organize. Committee members did not record a vote during the hearing.
Ending: AJR 11 asks the Nevada Legislature to urge the U.S. Congress to pass the PRO Act; the committee received mixed testimony and no final vote was recorded at the hearing.
