The Biden administration has recently faced criticism over allegations that its agencies are working to appeal to unions in an election season. President Biden has a long history of supporting and being supported by unions, declaring himself the most pro-union president in American history. A new group called the Public Labor Union Accountability Committee, which named Wisconsin Gov. Tommy Thompson as its senior adviser, has accused Health & Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra of pushing Medicare call center contractors to unionize. The move has been characterized as an attempt to gain favor with union leaders at the expense of American workers.
The push to unionize the Medicare call center contractors has led to unrest among workers, with some in right-to-work states going on strike. Former Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker has criticized labor harmony agreements as a tactic by unions to pressure businesses into project-labor agreements. Critics believe that this action will raise costs and slow down service. The National Right to Work Committee has labeled the move as a political giveaway to union bosses, with President Mark Mix accusing Biden of attempting to secure union support for his reelection bid.
Republican lawmakers have also spoken out against the administration’s actions regarding unionization. Sen. Bill Cassidy has accused the administration of jeopardizing service for seniors who rely on Medicare call center workers. He highlighted a Department of Labor independent contractor reclassification rule that he claims puts millions of independent contractors at risk of losing their right to work without unionization. Cassidy and other Republicans believe that the administration is sacrificing care for older Americans to benefit large labor unions in advance of the presidential election.
The Biden administration has faced further criticism for attempting to renegotiate a nine-year contract with Medicare call center contractors after just two years. Critics argue that this move is not about improving services for seniors but rather about bolstering union power. The administration has not responded to requests for comment on these allegations. The White House has also remained silent on the issue, leaving many questions unanswered about the government’s involvement in union activities and its impact on American workers and seniors. Despite claims of supporting workers, the administration’s actions have raised concerns about its true priorities in the lead-up to the election.
