Press Releases

Washington, DC - Today, Congressman Randy Fine, FL-06 introduced the Protecting Union Representation and Elections Act, the PURE Act, legislation that guarantees union members the right to elect their leaders through a direct, secret-ballot vote.

Under current law, union officers may be selected not only by a direct vote of members, but also through delegate conventions, where delegates, rather than workers themselves, cast votes on leadership.

The PURE Act removes the delegate-election option to ensure that all union members have the direct and secure right to elect their representatives, free from pressure, manipulation, or insider control.

“Union members deserve the same basic democratic protections we expect in any election: privacy, transparency, and accountability,” said Congressman Fine. “The PURE Act puts power back where it belongs: in the hands of workers. It guarantees that every union officer who speaks for them and negotiates on their behalf is chosen through a fair and secret ballot. This is a simple, commonsense reform that strengthens union democracy and protects hardworking Americans.”

The bill amends the Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act of 1959 and will take effect 18 months after enactment, allowing unions nationwide to update their internal election procedures.

The PURE Act has been referred to the House Committee on Education and the Workforce for consideration.