House Passes Anti-Business Labor Bill Strongly Opposed by NAHB
This post was updated on March 9, 2021.
The House on March 9 approved legislation strongly opposed by NAHB that contains dozens of sweeping labor law revisions that would negatively affect the construction labor market at a time of critical skilled worker shortages.
The bill is expected to die in the Senate.
H.R. 842, the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act, would expand employers’ liability for the labor practices of subcontractors and third-party vendors and narrow the circumstances under which an individual can work as an independent contractor — effectively gutting the contracting business model that serves as the foundation of the residential construction sector.
NAHB sent a letter to the full House designating a vote in opposition to H.R. 842 as a “key vote” because of its importance to the housing industry. This organized labor “wish list” bill resurrects bad policies that have previously been rejected by Congress and courts alike, including:
- Eliminating right-to-work protections nationwide;
- Stripping employer and employee free choice and privacy in union elections; and
- Curbing opportunities for independent work and subcontracting.
NAHB’s letter opposing the bill said that the “nation is currently facing a housing affordability crisis which will only worsen if Congress promulgates misguided policies that force the labor market to contract and inflate the costs of home construction.”
Latest from NAHBNow
Jul 11, 2025
Maine HBA Brings Real-World Training to State’s Future BuildersRecognizing an aging workforce and a critical need for new talent, the Association has partnered with the Sanford Regional Technical Center (SRTC) to prepare the next generation of skilled tradespeople. Through HBA-led instruction, high-school students are building homes from the ground up and gaining real-world experience.
Jul 10, 2025
What to Know About Expiring Energy Tax CreditsPresident Trump recently signed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) into law, which significantly accelerates the termination date for federal energy tax incentives. Builders and remodelers using the credits should be aware of the new expiration dates and where necessary, consult with their tax professional for additional guidance.
Latest Economic News
Jul 11, 2025
Shrinking Lots: Spec Building New NormThe share of smaller lots remained record high in 2024, with two out of three new single-family detached homes sold occupying lots under 9,000 square feet (1/5 of an acre or less).
Jul 10, 2025
Remodeling Market Sentiment Dips in Second QuarterIn the second quarter of 2025, the NAHB/Westlake Royal Remodeling Market Index (RMI) posted a reading of 59, down four points compared to the previous quarter.
Jul 09, 2025
Mortgage Applications Picked Up in June as Rates EasedMortgage application activity picked up in June, supported by a slight decline in interest rates. The Mortgage Bankers Association’s (MBA) Market Composite Index, which tracks mortgage application volume, rose 5.4% from May on a seasonally adjusted basis. Compared to June 2024, total applications were up 21.1%.