Senator Mark Kelly has thrown his full support behind the Richard L. Trumka Protecting the Right to Organize Act of 2025, commonly known as the PRO Act. Designed to bolster the rights of employees to unionize, the bill aims to simplify the process for workers to organize, expanding union eligibility and tightening enforcement against companies that undermine labor rights, cheat workers, or maintain hazardous workplaces. In a statement released by Senator Kelly's team, Kelly cited his personal experience as a testament to the life-altering impact of union jobs, remarking on the increasingly difficult plight of working-class Americans in the current economic landscape.
"This was at a time where, if you worked hard and did the right things, you could really get ahead. But now that’s harder for working people, in large part because too much money and power is concentrated in the hands of a few rich people and corporations," Senator Kelly said, pointing out his opposition to the ongoing efforts of then-President Trump to pass additional tax benefits for the wealthy while simultaneously targeting workers' rights.
Arizona's labor community enthusiastically welcomes Kelly's stance. Jim McLaughlin, President of the Arizona AFL-CIO, highlighted how unions have been instrumental in providing Kelly's own family with stability and opportunities. "Senator Kelly grew up in a union household and knows firsthand how unions can transform lives," McLaughlin told Senator Kelly's newsroom. He continued to stress the importance of the PRO Act for the reinforcement of a thriving middle class.
Fred Yamashita, Secretary-Treasurer of the Arizona AFL-CIO, described the legislation as a "game-changer" for workers in Arizona, enabling them to collectively negotiate for fair wages and safe conditions without fear of intimidation or retaliation. He expressed his organization's gratitude towards Senator Kelly for backing the bill, which ensures "all workers have the freedom to stand together and build a better future for their families and our state," as Yamashita stated in the press release.
Endorsements also came from the Ironworkers Local 75 through Business Manager Jason Sangster, and the Teamsters Local 104 via Principal Officer Karla Schumann, each highlighting Kelly's deep understanding of union benefits and expressing solidarity with the Senator's support of the PRO Act. The Arizona Building and Construction Trades Council also aired their support, with President Jeff Holly recognizing Kelly's commitment to labor protections essential for Arizona's economic future.
