The PRO Act Poses a Major Threat to Small Businesses, according to 61%

As a small business owner, I’m deeply concerned about the impact of the PRO Act on my business and countless others like it. You see, the PRO Act poses a significant threat, with 61% of small businesses agreeing that it has the potential to destroy their livelihoods.

Now, you might be wondering, What exactly is the PRO Act? Well, let me break it down for you. The PRO Act stands for the Protecting the Right to Organize Act, and it aims to reform labor laws in the United States. While the goal may seem noble at first glance, many small business owners, including myself, believe that the implications are far from positive.

The PRO Act includes several provisions that could significantly impact the way small businesses operate. For starters, it would make it easier for workers to unionize, which could lead to increased labor costs and potential disruptions in the workplace. As a small business owner, I strive to provide a fair and supportive work environment, but the PRO Act may hinder this endeavor.

Additionally, the PRO Act could override state right-to-work laws, which give employees the freedom to choose whether or not to join a union. This erosion of individual choice and decision-making power could have dire consequences for small businesses already struggling to navigate a challenging economic landscape.

Moreover, the PRO Act introduces new penalties for businesses found guilty of unfair labor practices. While it’s important to hold companies accountable for any wrongdoing, these penalties could have severe financial implications for small businesses, potentially leading to layoffs or even closure.

As a small business owner, I understand the importance of protecting workers’ rights, but I also recognize the need to strike a balance. The PRO Act, in its current form, seems to heavily favor unions at the expense of small businesses. It’s vital that we find a solution that respects the rights of workers while also safeguarding the viability of small enterprises.

In conclusion, the PRO Act has the potential to wreak havoc on small businesses across the country. With 61% of small business owners expressing concerns about its impact, it’s clear that immediate attention must be given to address our apprehensions. We need thoughtful and balanced legislation that promotes the well-being of both workers and small businesses, ensuring a thriving economy for all.

Let me tell you what’s wrong with the PRO Act for small businesses.

We now have the answers. I did a big survey and asked 11,606 people what they think. Most – 61% – are worried about how the PRO Act could affect small businesses.

Just when small business owners are starting to feel better about surviving the COVID Crisis, some politicians in Washington are planning to crush them again – this time with what we’re calling the PRO Act Virus, says Eric Groves, the Co-founder and CEO of Alignable. And we’re not exaggerating, we have the proof and we’re showing how this bill could hurt millions of small business owners.

Nearly Two-Thirds of People Are Worried About the PRO Act’s Impact on Small Business

Just wanted to give you an update on something important happening in the Senate. Right now, they’re deciding whether or not to pass the PRO Act. The Biden administration even mentioned that it might become part of a huge infrastructure bill worth $2.3 trillion!

Now, let me break it down for you. The PRO Act is a piece of legislation that supports unions. It’s all about protecting people’s right to organize. It already got approved by the House and is waiting for the Senate to take action.

But here’s the deal: if the PRO Act becomes law, it could have a big impact on small business owners, especially those who have really tiny businesses or work as solo entrepreneurs. Why? Well, there are two main things you should know:

1. The PRO Act wants to make it easier for employees to join unions. That might sound good, but it could be tough for owners of small businesses.
2. The PRO Act also wants companies to treat many independent contractors as regular employees. It has these ABC guidelines to determine who counts as an independent contractor.

Folks who know a lot about this stuff are saying that if the bill passes, it could seriously hurt freelancers, entrepreneurs, and small businesses. The impact could be really devastating!

Let me share some details from the survey about how the PRO Act could affect small businesses. I asked Groves to explain some of the findings. According to him, almost half of small businesses would immediately refuse to take on more work if they’re not allowed to hire freelancers because of the PRO Act’s rules.

Based on our survey responses, 40% of business owners said they would have to turn down projects or sales that require freelancers, Groves explains. This would result in small businesses losing revenue. In fact, 45% of business owners told us that this loss of business could actually force them to shut down.

The Impact of the PRO Act on Freelancers

According to Groves, freelancers are also concerned. They worry that in extreme situations, they could lose up to 76% of their business.

Listen up, policymakers and influential folks! You need to really understand what you’re proposing and the potential impact it could have. Even the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and thousands of freelancers are strongly against this legislation, warns Groves.

What We Learned from the Alignable Survey on PRO Act

Here are some important findings from the Alignable survey on the PRO Act:

• A whopping 61% of independent contractors believe they’ll lose 76% or more of their business. (That’s because only 17% of small business owners can afford to hire freelancers as W-2 employees).
• When I look at the numbers, I see that a big percentage – 67% – of women who own businesses would lose most of their business. A lot of these women are parents who do freelance work to be able to take care of their children’s schedules. It’s tough for them.
• It’s not just women who are struggling though. Veterans are also facing a similar situation. 65% of them are reporting a huge loss of revenue. It’s hard for them to keep their businesses going.
• It’s not just individuals who are affected by this. Small businesses, in general, would be really hit hard. In fact, almost half – 45% – of all small businesses would have to shut down. They rely on hiring freelancers to help them win business, manage their costs, and keep their companies running.
• It’s not just small businesses either. Minority-owned businesses could suffer a lot too. 62% of them said that having a side gig is really important for them to survive. It’s a tough situation for them.