As 2025 progresses, President Joe Biden’s economic policies are sparking a renewed debate about worker rights and wage equality. His administration’s focus on strengthening labor protections, expanding the minimum wage, and tackling income inequality is gaining traction in both Congress and across the country, aiming to provide workers with the security they need in an evolving economy. As the U.S. faces a rapidly changing labor market, Biden’s policies are seen by many as necessary steps to address long-standing disparities, and the outcome of this fight will have lasting implications for the future of work in America.
The PRO Act: A Push for Stronger Union Rights
One of the central pillars of President Biden’s economic agenda is the PRO Act (Protecting the Right to Organize), a landmark piece of legislation designed to strengthen workers’ rights and make it easier for them to unionize. For decades, unions in the U.S. have seen their power and influence wane, and Biden’s administration views revitalizing labor unions as critical to achieving a more equitable economy. The PRO Act is intended to protect workers from retaliation when they attempt to organize, streamline the unionization process, and ensure that workers have the legal backing to negotiate for better wages and working conditions.
Supporters of the PRO Act argue that the bill will address the growing income inequality in the U.S., especially in traditionally low-income industries. According to the Economic Policy Institute, union workers earn, on average, 13% more than their non-union counterparts. This wage disparity highlights the need for stronger union protections, particularly in sectors like manufacturing, retail, and service, where unions have historically been weak or nonexistent.
Democrats in Congress, alongside labor groups, have made the passage of the PRO Act a top priority, believing that expanding unionization will help workers fight for better wages, healthcare benefits, and working conditions. However, the bill faces significant opposition, particularly from Republicans and business lobbyists who argue that it would disrupt businesses and harm economic growth.
Despite the challenges, advocates argue that the PRO Act is essential not just for workers’ rights but also for a healthy, growing economy. By giving workers more leverage to negotiate, the bill could lead to higher wages and improved benefits, which would, in turn, stimulate consumer spending and create a more robust middle class.
The Fight for a $15 Minimum Wage
Another cornerstone of Biden’s economic agenda is the push to raise the federal minimum wage to $15 per hour, a goal that has gained significant momentum among progressive lawmakers and labor groups. The last time the federal minimum wage was raised was in 2009, and since then, inflation has drastically eroded its purchasing power. At its current rate of $7.25 per hour, the federal minimum wage is widely seen as insufficient to support workers, particularly in high-cost areas like New York, California, and Washington, D.C.
Raising the federal minimum wage has been a major rallying cry for workers in low-wage sectors, including retail, fast food, and healthcare, where many workers are still earning poverty-level wages despite working full-time. Biden’s administration has proposed legislation to gradually increase the minimum wage to $15 an hour by 2026, with the hope that it will help lift millions of Americans out of poverty and stimulate the economy by increasing the purchasing power of low-income workers.
Supporters of the wage increase argue that it is long overdue and essential to addressing the growing income inequality in the U.S. A study by the Economic Policy Institute found that raising the minimum wage to $15 per hour would directly benefit approximately 32 million American workers, particularly women, people of color, and young workers.
However, the proposal has faced fierce opposition from Republican lawmakers and business groups, who warn that such a large increase could lead to job losses, particularly in industries that rely heavily on low-wage labor. Opponents argue that businesses might reduce hiring or increase automation to offset the higher labor costs, potentially hurting small businesses and leading to higher prices for consumers.
Despite these concerns, proponents of the wage increase emphasize the long-term benefits for both workers and the economy. By putting more money in the hands of low-income workers, the wage increase could help reduce poverty, decrease reliance on government assistance programs, and boost overall economic growth as workers have more disposable income to spend on goods and services.
Expanding Protections for Gig Workers and the Service Industry
As part of his broader labor agenda, President Biden has also focused on expanding protections for gig workers and those in the service industry, two groups that have historically been excluded from many labor laws and benefits. Gig workers, including those working for companies like Uber, DoorDash, and Instacart, often face job insecurity, lack of benefits, and inconsistent pay, making it difficult for them to plan for the future.
The Biden administration has proposed new legislation aimed at providing gig workers with access to basic protections such as healthcare, paid sick leave, and unemployment insurance. These workers, who make up a growing segment of the American workforce, often lack the benefits that traditional employees enjoy, leaving them vulnerable in times of illness, injury, or economic downturns.
Similarly, Biden has worked to improve conditions for workers in the service industry, which has been disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. With millions of restaurant workers, hotel staff, and retail employees facing long hours, low wages, and poor working conditions, the administration is advocating for better wages, paid family leave, and improved working conditions across these essential sectors.
The Road Ahead: The Need for Comprehensive Labor Reform
Despite the growing momentum for labor reforms under President Biden’s administration, challenges remain. The fight for a $15 minimum wage and stronger protections for gig workers is far from over, and opposition from business interests and conservative lawmakers continues to be a significant obstacle. However, the increasing public support for worker rights and the undeniable economic impact of income inequality are pushing the conversation forward.
Experts argue that a more equitable labor system is not just about raising wages and expanding union rights; it’s about building a sustainable and fair economy that benefits all Americans. By ensuring that workers have the protections and pay they deserve, the U.S. can build a stronger middle class, reduce income inequality, and create a more resilient economy.
As 2025 continues, the future of labor rights in America will be shaped by the ongoing efforts to pass key legislation, create better working conditions, and address the pressing issues facing today’s workforce. The outcome of these battles will have lasting effects on the U.S. economy and the lives of millions of workers across the country.
Source: The Washington Post – Biden’s Economic Agenda for Worker Rights
