Animation Guild | We are 839 Digital Magazine
Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1535742
T H E L O C A L 20 KEYFRAME LABOR SCHOOL WHAT IS THE PRO ACT? The PRO Act is proposed legislation that would amend past labor legislation by Congress, including the National Labor Relations Act of 1935, to create even stronger protections for workers and unions. It addresses strengthening workers' legal right to organize, holding employers accountable for violating workers' rights, and securing free, fair, and safe union elections. WHEN DID IT ORIGINATE? The PRO Act was first introduced to Congress in 2019, where it passed in the House of Representatives by a vote of 224 to 194 but died in committee. It was reintroduced in 2021, 2023, and most recently in March of 2025 as the Richard L. Trumka Protect the Right to Organize Act by Committee on Education and Workforce Ranking Member Robert C. "Bobby" Scott (D-VA-03), House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY-08), and Representative Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-01). The Senate companion was introduced by the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Ranking Member Bernie Sanders (I-VT). Richard Trumka was the president of the AFL-CIO from 2009 until his death in 2021. WHY DOES IT MATTER TO YOU? From weakening "right-to-work" laws that exist in 27 states to allowing workers to seek justice for labor violations in the courts, the PRO Act would make it easier for workers to join unions and get justice for employer violations. This would strengthen TAG's ability to protect you in the workplace, and it would help TAG's efforts to organize animation studios and production companies outside L.A. County. The more union shops in the U.S., the stronger The Animation Guild—and the more opportunities for you to work under the TAG umbrella around the country. You can contact your legislators and let them know you support the PRO Act by calling 202-224-3121. Learn more about it at aflcio.org/pro-act. PROTEC TING THE RIGHT TO ORG ANIZE (PRO) AC T THE PRO ACT WAS REINTRODUCED TO CONGRESS IN MARCH. READ ON TO FIND OUT WHAT THIS MEANS. FIELD REPRESENTATIVE MEET YOUR TAG STAFF MAIRGHREAD SCOTT