Rep. Shri Thanedar Introduces Picket Line Protection Act to Support Michigan Workers
Washington, D.C. – October 17, 2023 – Representative Shri Thanedar, an advocate for hardworking families and a ranking member on the Subcommittee On Transportation And Maritime Security, introduced the Picket Line Protection Act—the Picket Line Protection (PLP) Act. Representative Rashida Tlaib joins Representative Thanedar as an original co-sponsor of the legislation.
The Picket Line Protection Act is designed to alleviate the financial burden faced by striking workers by amending the Internal Revenue Code to exempt strike pay from individual gross income tax. This change would effectively set the tax rate on these crucial funds to 0%, offering significant relief to families during strikes.
Striking workers in the U.S. are subject to income tax on their strike pay. In Michigan's 13th District, which Representative Thanedar represents, United Auto Workers (UAW) receive no more than $600 a week before taxes while on strike. The Picket Line Protection Act aims to alleviate this burden, recognizing strike benefits as a lifeline for struggling families rather than a taxable income.
Linda L. Hinton, Vice President, Communications Workers of America, District 4:
"I am proud to endorse the Picket Line Protection Act of 2023, introduced by Representative Shri Thanedar. Today, more and more workers are exercising their legal right to strike for fair wages, better benefits, and improved working conditions. During these trying times, every dollar counts, and this legislation would help those workers provide for their families by retaining more of their hard-earned strike pay. I urge you to join CWA District 4 in supporting this vital bill."
Representative Shri Thanedar:
"Striking for better conditions is a brave and necessary act, yet our current tax system punishes workers for standing up for their rights. By exempting strike pay from income tax, we're ensuring that workers in Michigan's 13th District, and across America, can focus on fighting for their futures rather than worrying about making ends meet."
The Picket Line Protection Act serves as a small but significant step in supporting America’s labor force by allowing them to keep more of their strike pay during challenging times.
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