Norcross, Stauber Introduce Bill to Speed Up First Contracts for New Unions

WASHINGTON, DC -Today, Representatives Donald Norcross (D-NJ) and Pete Stauber (R-MN) announced the introduction of the Faster Labor Contracts Act, which would speed up the process of the first collective bargaining agreement between a newly unionized group of workers and their employer.

"The right of workers to form a union and collectively bargain is crucial to improving wages, hours, working conditions, and so much more. I know because I've lived it," said Congressman Donald Norcross, Co-Founder and Co-Chair of the Congressional Labor Caucus. "Right now, employers can delay negotiations on first contracts for years. This hurts workers who, despite exercising their right to bargain collectively, are prevented from doing so by employers who enjoy the benefits of the status quo. The Faster Labor Contracts Act will force employers to act in good faith and come to the negotiating table quickly."

"America's workers are the backbone of our economy, yet far too often, they are met with silence or stalling tactics when negotiating their first union contract," said Congressman Pete Stauber. "As a former police officer who organized a union, I've seen firsthand how unfair and frustrating this process can be for some. That's why I am proud to partner with Representative Norcross to hold employers accountable and ensure workers have a real voice at the negotiating table, because when our workers succeed, our entire nation succeeds."

"Greedy corporations will do everything they can to deny workers a fair first contract and the wages and benefits they've earned," said International Brotherhood of Teamsters General President Sean M. O'Brien. "The Faster Labor Contracts Act is much-needed legislation that will expedite the process and hold employers accountable when they drag out negotiations. The Teamsters commend Representatives Norcross and Stauber for introducing a bill that will help newly organized workers secure the fair first contract they deserve."

"Workers who exercise their right to join a union should have assurances that they will reap the benefits of having a representative in the workplace," said Policy Advisor for American Compass, Daniel Kishi. "Although federal labor law obligates unions and employers to negotiate, it does not require them to agree to a collective bargaining agreement-a disconnect that permits employers to avoid reaching a contract that improves the wages and working conditions of their employees. This legislation would address this disconnect, incentivizing unions and employers to negotiate in good faith.

"Entertainment workers know that time is of the essence when it comes to securing fair contracts. Whether it's film, television, live events, or trade shows, our members move from job to job, and delays in bargaining can mean missing out on the industry standards and protections we fight for," said International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) President Matthew D. Loeb. "IATSE commends Reps. Norcross, Stauber, and a bipartisan group of two-dozen House members for introducing the Faster Labor Contracts Act. We welcome this legislation that recognizes the urgent need to level the playing field for workers negotiating a first contract."

"The Faster Labor Contracts Act establishes a critical framework requiring employers to begin negotiations within one week of a successful union election," said International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental and Reinforcing Iron Workers President Eric Dean. "This provision is essential to protecting workers' rights and ensuring they receive the fair and equitable treatment they deserve. Had this policy been in place a year ago, more than 1,000 more workers would be protected under an Iron Workers' union contract today. We firmly believe that timely negotiations lead to better working conditions, fair wages, and greater job security for our members and all workers nationwide."

"When workers vote to form a union, they shouldn't have to wait months or years to get a fair contract while employers stall," said International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) President Kenneth W. Cooper. "The Faster Labor Contracts Act puts power back in the hands of working people by setting clear deadlines for bargaining, mediation, and binding arbitration. IBEW's 860,000 members know a union contract means better wages, safer working conditions, and a voice on the job. It's time for Congress to stand with workers and pass this bill."

"Legislators on both sides of the aisle have long recognized the need to address the unnecessary and unproductive delays frequently experienced by employees who choose to be represented by a union in getting to their first contract," saidInternational Organization of Masters, Mates & Pilots (MM&P) President Captain Don Josberger. "MM&P is grateful that Representatives Norcross and Stauber and their colleagues are seeking to fix this problem in a bipartisan way, and we fully support it."

"Contract delay tactics are a way for greedy corporations to deny workers a life-changing contract. This new bill would prevent employers from using an anti-worker tactic that allows them to refuse bargaining in good faith," said Transport Workers Union (TWU) International President John Samuelsen. "It is also important to note that politicians from both major political parties are introducing this bill. There is real bipartisan support for advancing the livelihoods of American workers and their families and a recognition that corporations have too often refused to engage in good faith bargaining."

"When workers stand with each other to join a union, they are exercising their fundamental right to fight for better wages, safer workplaces, and a real voice on the job. But far too often, we see companies exploit loopholes to delay getting to a first contract, dragging out negotiations and trying to break the workers' spirits. REI, for example, has committed numerous labor violations in an attempt to prolong this process despite workers making the decision to join the union years ago," saidUnited Food and Commercial Workers International Union (UFCW) President Milton Jones. "The Faster Labor Contracts Act is a critical bipartisan step toward holding employers accountable and ensuring that the promise of a union contract becomes a reality, not just a possibility. The UFCW is proud to endorse this legislation on behalf of REI Union members and workers everywhere."

"Too often, delay tactics allow employers to wear down organizing momentum. That's unacceptable," saidUnited Mine Workers of America (UMWA) International President Cecil E. Roberts. "Workers deserve timely bargaining, fair wages, and working conditions they can actually count on. I thank Representatives Norcross and Stauber for their leadership in bringing forward this commonsense, bipartisan reform, one that strengthens the process of collective bargaining and honors workers' rights."

"The benefits of a union contract are widespread and well-documented, from helping to secure fair wages and working conditions to providing workers a much-needed voice on the job. Yet too many aspects of our current labor laws are broken and tilted in favor of greedy corporations," saidUnited Steelworkers (USW) International President David McCall. "For example, it currently takes workers, on average, nearly 500 days to secure a first contract after they organize their union because employers draw out the process. The USW applauds Reps. Norcross and Stauber for their bipartisan Faster Labor Contracts Act that would help remedy this imbalance and ensure workers can bargain fair agreements in a timely way."

"The Faster Labor Contracts Act is a common-sense solution to ensure workers who vote to form a union can secure a first contract without delay," said Laborers' International Union of North America (LIUNA) General President Brent Booker. "Too often, employers stall for over a year to weaken workers' resolve and deny them the rights they've already won. This bill would require timely negotiations so workers can lock in fair wages, safe jobsites, and secure retirements."

According to Bloomberg Law, it takes an average of 458 days for unions and employers to agree on a first contract. This bipartisan legislation will ensure that when workers vote to form a union, employers are not allowed to drag out negotiations on first contracts.

The Faster Labor Contracts Act would amend Section 8(d) of the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA), to require that:

• After workers have voted to form a union, employers must begin negotiating with the new union within 10 days.
• If no agreement is reached after 90 days, the dispute will be referred to mediation.
• If mediation fails after 30 days, or additional periods agreed upon by both parties, the dispute will be referred to a binding 3-person arbitration panel to secure an initial contract.
• The Government Accountability Office commission a report on average workplace time-to-contract one year after enactment.

Senators Josh Hawley (R-MO) and Cory Booker (D-NJ) introduced this bill in the Senate.

Read the full text of the legislation here.

Read the one-pager here.

Congressmen Donald Norcross (D-NJ-01) and Pete Stauber (R-MN-08) were joined by the following members in introducing the legislation: Representatives Chris Deluzio (D-PA-17), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-01), Nikki Budzinski (D-IL-13), Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY-11), Tim Kennedy (D-NY-26), Don Bacon (R-NE-02), Josh Riley (D-NY-19), Mike Lawler (R-NY-17), Angie Craig (D-MN-02), Michael Rulli (R-OH-06), Jared Golden (D-ME-02), Nick LaLota (R-NY-01), Emily Randall (D-WA-06), Jeff Van Drew (R-NJ-02), Rick Larsen (D-WA-02), Chris Smith (R-NJ-04), Mary Gay Scanlon (D-PA-05), Rob Bresnahan (R-PA-08), Seth Magaziner (D-RI-02), Riley Moore (R-WV-02), Morgan McGarvey (D-KY-03), Andrew Garbarino (R-NY-02), Haley Stevens (D-MI-11), and Stephen Lynch (D-MA-08).

This bill is endorsed by the International Brotherhood of Teamsters; Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU); American Compass; Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes Division-International Brotherhood of Teamsters; International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE); International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental and Reinforcing Iron Workers (IW); International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF); International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW); International Organization of Masters, Mates & Pilots; International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers; International Union of Operating Engineers; International Union of Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT); International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW); Laborers' International Union of North America (LiUNA); Marine Engineers' Beneficial Association (M.E.B.A.); National Employment Law Project; Transport Workers Union (TWU); Transportation Communications Union (TCU/IAM); United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipe Fitting Industry of the United States and Canada (UA); United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America (UBC); United Food and Commercial Workers International Union (UFCW); United Mine Workers of America (UMWA); United Steelworkers (USW); Utility Workers Union of America

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