Engineers, technologists, and skilled professionals are being laid off across America — then permanently blacklisted from rehire without cause, warning, or appeal.

We call on the United States Congress and the Executive Branch to investigate and prohibit this silent, abusive practice.

 
The Problem
In today’s job market, it is increasingly common for companies to quietly apply permanent "do-not-rehire" labels to laid-off employees — even those with excellent performance records.

These bans:
1. Are not disclosed during layoffs.
2. Are often permanent, even after economic conditions improve.
3. Deny skilled professionals the right to reapply for jobs they are fully qualified for.
4. Create unofficial blacklists with no appeal process and no accountability.

This is not just unfair. It undermines the foundation of a fair and competitive American labor market.

 
What We’re Demanding
We urge the federal government to:
1. Ban permanent rehire blacklists unless tied to documented misconduct or legal cause.
2. Require transparency: Employers must clearly state rehire eligibility at the time of separation.
3. Audit government contractors: Firms receiving public funds should not quietly blacklist laid-off workers.
4. Protect whistleblowers: Create a platform to report rehire discrimination safely.
5. Hold HR tech vendors accountable: Review use of applicant tracking systems and AI tools that auto-enforce these bans.
 
Why It Matters
1. This affects all industries — from software to automotive to aerospace.
2. It undermines American innovation by discarding experienced talent without reason.
3. It leaves thousands of skilled professionals locked out of their own career paths.
4. It violates basic principles of fairness, opportunity, and due process.

Layoffs are sometimes unavoidable. But being laid off should not mean being banned for life.

 
Who We Are
We are U.S.-based engineers, technologists, developers, designers, and other skilled professionals who believe in the dignity of work and the right to compete fairly in the job market.

Some of us have been laid off. Others fear the next round. But we all agree:
Silent blacklists must end.
We want transparency, accountability, and fair treatment.

 
Sign This Petition
By signing, you are asking Congress and the President to take this issue seriously, investigate rehire bans, and implement protections for American workers.