Strong Support of Labor Rights

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is a strong supporter of labor rights, going back to his youthful involvement with Cesar Chavez. He believes that capitalism can function only in the presence of a strong labor movement. If workers cannot bargain collectively, they will always be at a disadvantage negotiating with large corporations, who will relentlessly drive down wages and erode working conditions. 

The Administration of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. will make defense of the rights of workers a cardinal principle of governance. 

He believes that high wages and benefits are essential to the economic security of families and the nation. Unions allow workers to claim their fair share of the business profits they contribute to.   

Accordingly, Mr. Kennedy will defend these worker’s rights:

• The right to organize.
• The right to collective bargaining.
• The right to strike.
• The right to meaningful wages and benefits, which includes a significant increase to the minimum wage .
• The right to a healthy and safe workplace with appropriate working conditions.
• The right to compensation if injured on the job.
• The right to a dignified and secure retirement.

Mr. Kennedy will vigorously defend these and other workers' rights and use the power of the presidency to uplift the standing of workers throughout the nation. He will:

• Vigorously enforce the law against union-busting corporations so that workers at places like Starbucks and Amazon can organize. 
• Fight for a federal tax deduction for union dues, in recognition that strong unions are a boon to our nation. 
• Raise the minimum wage to $15 an hour, with automatic further increases to keep pace with inflation. 
• Support legislation like the PRO Act to boost worker protections and unionization.
• Lobby Congress to change bankruptcy laws so that collective bargaining agreements are preserved through bankruptcy and assumed by the new owner. He will make sure that corporations cannot use bankruptcy maneuvers to strip workers of their agreements, benefits, and pensions.
• Strengthen protections for workers in the gig economy, so that corporations can no longer use gig workers to undermine wages for regular employees.
• Protect worker rights in trade agreements. Neoliberal free trade policies set American workers into competition with workers in low-wage countries that have few labor protections where, in some cases, unions are non-existent. Mr. Kennedy will make labor protections the centerpiece of any future trade agreements.
• Promote the on-shoring of industrial production, again so that American workers are not pitted in competition against workers from low-wage countries. 

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is committed to being the strongest pro-labor President since the 1960s, as part of his broader commitment to restore a strong middle class in America.