By SUSAN FISCHETTI
Democrats in Congress are once again pushing radical proposals that would hurt the average Alaska worker and decimate small businesses.
This time, Senate Democrats have banded together to cosponsor the innocuous-sounding Protecting the Right to Organize Act. Contrary to its feel-good abbreviation, the “PRO” Act would only come with cons for Alaska’s businesses, workers, and economy.
Alaskans can be thankful that Sen. Lisa Murkowski has not supported this legislation. The senator should stay strong on this and continue to do what’s right for Alaskans.
Among other things, the PRO Act would remove a worker’s right to a private ballot vote during union elections, violate worker privacy by handing over their personal information to union leaders, and make it much more difficult for individuals to work as independent contractors.
At the same time, it would undermine contractual relationships between businesses and shift massive new costs and liabilities to business owners.
This bill is the last thing Alaska needs, especially as local businesses are still reeling from the effects of the pandemic and economic slowdown. Sen. Murkowski should continue fighting this anti-business legislation for the good of all Alaskans and our economic recovery.
Susan Fischetti of Eagle River was an elector for Alaska in 2000 and is an officer of the Anchorage Republican Women’s Club. She writes in her own capacity.
