FRIENDS.

House @EdLaborCmte Dems have a NEW report out today.

Yes, I know what you’re thinking. (“Another report on the #futureofwork?”)

But here’s why this one’s worth your time.

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https://edlabor.house.gov/imo/media/doc/Future%20of%20Work%20Report%20(FINAL).pdf

The biggest reason to pay attention?

The report provides a

~ POLICY AGENDA FOR THE COMMITTEE IN THE 117TH CONGRESS ~

to address 3 key challenges:

(1) Preserving worker protections.

For decades, our labor laws helped workers bargain for higher wages, safer working conditions, & better benefits.

Today, widespread workplace fissuring, misclassification, & gig models proliferate in the name of "flexibility" & "innovation."

Some firms claim their biz models are “incompatible” with traditional employment relationships.

Spoiler alert: They’re not.

Here's expert testimony from @profsheena, @BrishenRogers, & @JessGBeck @HelloAlfred:
https://edlabor.house.gov/hearings/the-future-of-work-preserving-worker-protections-in-the-modern-economy

A few of the 9 recs:

➨Creating a rebuttable presumption of employee status and codifying “ABC” test

➨Making misclassification a violation of law w/ a private right of action & penalties

➨Creating a broad “duty of care” to keep workers safe

➨Exploring sectoral bargaining

(2) Ensuring all workers have tools they need to remain competitive.

Even when our economy appears strong, workers experience displacement.

What’s more, too many folks are stuck in low-wage, low-opportunity jobs without a shot at upward mobility.

But our patchy hodge-podge of workforce development programs is poorly integrated, inequitable, & underfunded.

Here's testimony from @MrSethHarris, @DetroitGearhead @AFLCIO, & @supernova732: https://edlabor.house.gov/hearings/the-future-of-work-ensuring-workers-are-competitive-in-a-rapidly-changing-economy_

The 10 recs include:

➨Creating universal assistance for ALL displaced workers, including income during training/education

➨Massively increase funding for WIOA programs

➨Authorizing Lifelong Learning Accounts under WIOA & provide federal funding

(3) Protecting workers’ civil rights in the digital age.

Hiring algorithms, productivity tracking devices, & other tech have become widespread in our workplaces.

These tools can discriminate—intentionally or not—& systematically lock workers out of employment opportunities.

However, most of our nation’s key civil rights laws were written LONG before the digital era.

Here’s testimony on gaps in our laws—and how we can plug them—from @Jennyryang, @iajunwa, @PRFlaw: https://edlabor.house.gov/hearings/the-future-of-work-protecting-workers-civil-rights-in-the-digital-age-

And a huge assist from @aaronkbr @TeamUpturn.

The 18 recs include:

➨Extending additional civil rights protections to independent contractors

➨Requiring predictive hiring tools to undergo independent audits for bias

➨Ending Section 230(c) immunity in the case of job advertisements

In months since @EdLaborCmte's #futureofwork hearings, our nation has faced one of the greatest economic & public health crises in our history.

But COVID-19 pandemic only COMPOUNDS the urgency of the recommendations to address 3 key challenges this report identifies.

As the 116th Congress closes and the 117th begins, Congress MUST address the unprecedented challenges facing the American people head-on by:

➨Getting the COVID-19 virus under control

➨Passing desperately needed relief, and

➨Building an economy that benefits ALL workers