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Restoring American Power: The Case for Stronger Unions

Corporate profits soar, yet workers are left behind. Stronger unions ensure workers have a real voice in success.

U.S. Capitol building with text: Labor Unions - Empowering Workers, Strengthening Communities.

Corporate profits are soaring, yet workers are left behind. Union suppression has become all too common, with corporations spending millions to thwart organizing efforts while executives enjoy hefty salaries. Workers across America deserve not only fair wages but an actual seat at the table.

Strengthening unions is crucial for restoring balance—ensuring the individuals who drive our economy also have a say in its success. The scales are rigged, and it’s time to tip them back in favor of the workers.

Fixing America’s Stagnant Wages
Pay transparency is key to fixing income inequality and the gender pay gap. With CEO pay up 1,209.2% since 1978 and worker wages trailing, it’s time for a fair shake and full transparency.
Hensel for CongressBentley Hensel

The Problem

Union suppression has led to an unbalanced economy where corporate profits overshadow worker well-being. Intimidation tactics are often used to discourage organizing, and weak penalties for union-busting allow these practices to persist with few consequences for those in power.

This has silenced workers' voices, contributing to stagnant wages and growing inequality. Many employees fear retaliation for speaking up or organizing, while companies hand out massive bonuses to executives, prioritizing end-of-quarter earnings over the contributions of frontline workers. It's time to address these issues and restore balance for a fairer economy.

My Proposal

It’s time for policies that protect workers, empower unions, and penalize corporate misconduct. (Not fake penalties, actual consequences for the horrific behavior of corporations; they are people after all 🙄)

Empowering Worker Ownership

Workers should have a financial stake in the companies they help build. Publicly traded companies are doing just fine, and they should allocate a non-negligible amount, at least 5% - 10%, of their shares to unions representing their workforce.

  • Board Representation: Union seats on boards will ensure worker voices are part of key decisions.
  • Gradual Implementation: Companies will have five years to phase in this ownership through profit-sharing, stock contributions, or direct equity grants. If they can't achieve this within five years, the free market should reassess their viability. Lack of worker representation often indicates an imbalanced and unhealthy relationship.
  • Union Approval for Stock Buybacks: Require majority union approval for any stock buybacks, ensuring decisions align with workers' interests. After all, gold-plated parachutes can't save a company that's forgotten its workers.

Criminal Penalties for Union-Busting

Union suppression is a serious offense—and it should come with severe consequences. Union-busting must become a felony offense, with mandatory prison time for repeat offenders.

  • Strict Enforcement: Executives and leadership at any level—whether directly involved or complicit in decisions like firing organizers, surveilling workers, or interfering with union efforts—will face criminal charges, significant fines, and public accountability.
  • Public Accountability for Offenders: Individuals convicted of anti-union practices must disclose their violations to future employers and coworkers, similar to how other serious offenses require disclosure. This will ensure greater transparency and prevent habitual offenders from quietly continuing anti-union activities in other workplaces.
  • Whistleblower Protections: Workers who report union-busting activities will receive complete legal protection from retaliation, ensuring they can come forward without fear of losing their jobs or facing other consequences.

Mandatory Union Education in Workplaces

Every worker should know their rights and have access to information about unionizing. "How to Unionize" posters should be displayed alongside federal labor law notices in every workplace.

Along with anti-harassment training, HR should remind you to complete Union 101 training—because it truly is for the best, even if those HR courses can sometimes be a bit tedious.

• Clear Guidance: These posters will outline the steps for forming or joining a union and explain worker protections under the law.
• Labor Department Oversight: Inspectors will verify compliance during routine audits.

Union Activity as a Protected Class

Union affiliation, activity, or discussion should be treated as a protected class. This ensures no worker can be fired, demoted, or retaliated against for participating in union organizing, bargaining, or strikes.

Federal Matching Funds for Strikes

Strikes are a powerful tool for workers, but they come with financial risks. Providing limited matching federal funds to pre-approved strikes won't break the bank and can offer essential support during these pivotal moments.

Children of strikers shouldn't go hungry because Howard Shultz wants a larger yacht.

  • Certification by the Department of Labor: Strikes that meet good-faith benchmarks will qualify for matching funds.
  • Use of Funds: Matching funds will cover wages, healthcare, and legal expenses during the strike.

Penalties for Violations

Companies retaliating against union supporters will face financial penalties and legal action. Fines should be at least twice the amount leadership expected to "save" by stopping the union. If a publicly traded company has multiple anti-union convictions within five years, the SEC should start the process of de-listing them from the stock market.

Are these penalties strong? Yes, and rightfully so. It's time to hold corporations accountable. American workers have dedicated too much for too long to accept anything less.

Expected Outcomes

Implementing the above will not be easy, but if we commit to fixing the American workforce, we can expect to see these outcomes:

  • Increased Fairness and Equity: Strengthening union representation will empower workers, ensuring their voices are heard and leading to more equitable pay and benefits.
  • Higher Accountability: With stricter penalties for union-busting and mandatory transparency, companies will be held accountable for their actions, aligning executive decision-making with worker interests.
  • Empowered Workforce: Worker ownership and board representation will promote a more balanced power dynamic, encouraging ethical business practices and collaborative decision-making.
  • Stronger Communities: Financial support for strikes will empower workers to negotiate better wages, healthcare, and working conditions—benefiting both families and local economies.

We can create a future where workers are treated with the dignity they deserve. A robust labor movement benefits everyone—when workers win, communities win.

The time for half-measures is over. It’s time to fight for a fairer economy that rewards those who power it.

Additional Resources