Rabb, Miller announce legislation to prevent union busting using public funds

Bill would send strong message that PA stands with workers

HARRISBURG, Dec. 8 – State Reps. Chris Rabb, D-Phila., and Dan Miller, D-Allegheny, today announced they are drafting legislation that would prohibit the use of public money to bust unions.

“Unions are the backbone of our communities and have a rich and storied history in our state, from the coal mines of the northeast to the steel mills of Pittsburgh. Union workers built this state and have for years been the protectors of the working class,” Miller said. “Now, with economic inequality on the rise, we need to stand up to support our unions and send a strong message that our commonwealth stands not only with them but, more importantly, with the working families and communities who rely on them.”

Modeled after similar legislation in New Mexico, the legislation would amend the Public Employee Relations Act to prohibit public and state-related employers from spending taxpayer dollars for union avoidance or union busting services or activities.

“It is impossible to tell the story of economic progress in Pennsylvania without the inclusion of unions, which have been a keystone in the fight for improved workplace safety, increased wages, employer-provided healthcare and retirement benefits.” Rabb said. “In keeping with our state’s history, we should ensure that union votes are able to be made free from intimidation by public or state-related employers who would seek to infringe upon that right using taxpayer dollars.”