On Friday, November 19, the House of Representatives voted 220-213 to pass H.R. 5376, the Build Back Better Act. The bill now awaits consideration in the Senate, where significant changes are expected. 

Some proposals in the Build Back Better Act are likely to exacerbate the impact of the pandemic during a time when many businesses are recovering financially and facing historic talent shortages.

The paid leave provision in this legislation is misaligned with the Family Medical Leave Act and out of touch with the diversity of this country’s workplaces. Additionally, the bill includes provisions that would increase health care costs and upset the balance of labor-management relations.  It also proposes exorbitant civil liabilities for employers of all sizes.

Click here to take action with SHRM on the Build Back Better Act and contact your senators or text SHRM to 52886.

Congress can find more balance by acknowledging that meeting the needs of our country’s workplaces requires flexibility. Balanced legislation also requires an acknowledgement that employers are committed to meeting the needs of their employees in a manner that also meets the needs of the business.

Thank you for helping us create better workplaces for a better world.

Sincerely,

Emily M. Dickens
Chief of Staff, Head of Government Affairs and Corporate Secretary