Sen. Bernie Sanders Bernie SandersButtigieg stands in as Pence for Harris's debate practice Bernie Sanders warns of 'nightmare scenario' if Trump refuses election results Harris joins women's voter mobilization event also featuring Pelosi, Gloria Steinem, Jane Fonda MORE (I-Vt.) unveiled new legislation on Wednesday aimed at increasing the power of labor unions and lifting stagnant wages nationwide.

The bill, titled The Workplace Democracy Act, would expedite the formation process for unions, allowing workers to sign up to be represented rather than being elected into membership and expedite timelines for negotiation between unions and companies, according to The Washington Post.

Sanders acknowledged that the bill would likely not pass on its own, since Republicans control the White House and both chambers of Congress. But Sanders said it could spotlight the issue of stalled wage growth, even with jobless claims at their lowest point since 1973.

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“It’s not a question of just jobs — it’s a question of what those jobs pay. Many of the occupations that are growing in this country do not pay workers a living wage," Sanders told the Post.

Sanders also suggested the bill or another measure could be a rallying point for Democrats ahead of the 2018 midterm elections. Union voters are a key demographic Democrats are trying to win back to the party.

“You show your base that you’re serious about this, and unions are still an important part of Democrats’ base," he said.

Despite the likely vehement opposition in the Republican majority Congress, Sanders's bill was co-sponsored by more than a dozen Democrats, including Sens. Kirsten Gillibrand Kirsten GillibrandSunday shows preview: Justice Ginsburg dies, sparking partisan battle over vacancy before election Suburban moms are going to decide the 2020 election Jon Stewart urges Congress to help veterans exposed to burn pits MORE (N.Y.), Kamala Harris Kamala HarrisButtigieg stands in as Pence for Harris's debate practice First presidential debate to cover coronavirus, Supreme Court Harris joins women's voter mobilization event also featuring Pelosi, Gloria Steinem, Jane Fonda MORE (Calif.) and Elizabeth Warren Elizabeth WarrenHarris joins women's voter mobilization event also featuring Pelosi, Gloria Steinem, Jane Fonda Judd Gregg: The Kamala threat — the Californiaization of America GOP set to release controversial Biden report MORE (Mass.).

During his 2016 presidential campaign, Sanders pushed for a nationwide minimum wage increase.