Earlier this week, House Democrats were applauding the passage of a bill that would strengthen the federal laws that protect a workers' right to join a union.

It's called the Pro Act or Protecting the Right to Organize.

Those in favor of it believe it will go a long way in protecting employees' rights and ensuring they receive a fair wage and fair treatment in the workplace.

Others believe it will never become law because it won't pass the Senate.

Congress has passed what is considered one of the most significant bills to strengthen workers' abilities to organize or unionize in the past 80 years.

It's what's known as the Pro Act or Protecting the Right to Organize Act to give workers more leverage during work disputes.

Darwin Cooper is the Vice-President of UAW Local 1112 in Lordstown, "You have rights when you have a union, you can't be discriminated against. You can't be fired without cause. You can't be bullied by management. And I think unions are a blessing for people."

The bill will also allow the National Labor Relations Board to fine companies $50,000 per violation if they fire a worker for attempting to start a union.

But some don't think the bill will ever become law because the Republican-controlled Senate and business groups have argued against it.

"They have no use for unions," Cooper said.

The Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber of Commerce declined to comment on the PRO Act at this time.

However, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce responded to our request for comment saying:

WE ARE DISAPPOINTED TO SEE THE HOUSE APPROVE THE PRO ACT. WE BELIEVE THIS LEGISLATION WILL HARM WORKERS, EMPLOYERS, AND THE ECONOMY. IT TAKES AWAY PRIVATE BALLOTS IN UNION ORGANIZING ELECTIONS AND THREATENS WORKERS WITH THE LOSS OF THEIR JOB IF THEY DON'T PAY UNION DUES.

- Suzanne Clark
U.S. Chamber President

But whatever happens, it's a chance for decades-old labor laws to be updated.