Stauber Introduces Bipartisan Legislation to Speed Up First Contracts for New Unions

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Pete Stauber (R-MN) and Congressman Donald Norcross (D-NJ) held a press conference to announce the introduction of their Faster Labor Contracts Act, bipartisan legislation to ensure that when workers vote to form a union, employers are not allowed to drag out negotiations on a collective bargaining agreement. 

“America’s workers are the backbone of our economy, yet far too often, they are met with silence or stalling tactics from employers when negotiating their first union contract,” said Congressman Pete Stauber. “As a former police officer who organized my 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.”

“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.”    

“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."

“Organized labor in America has been under attack by the politicians in DC for 40 years. Due to bad trade deals, weakened labor laws, and obstacles for employees trying to join a union, union membership has dropped to its lowest level in American history,” said Teamsters Local 346 Secretary Treasurer Zak Radzak. “With the Faster Labor Contracts Act by Congressman Pete Stauber, unions will no longer be undermined by long, drawn-out negotiations that diminish their power and progress. Unions will be able to better support future members by securing contracts in a more reasonable timeframe under this critical legislation. When unions win, the middle class wins! Thank you, Congressman Stauber, for working across the aisle for the American workers! 

"The Faster Labor Contracts Act will protect workers across Minnesota and the entire United States,” said Teamsters Joint Council 32 President Tom Erickson. “Being able to speed up negotiating a first contract is a no brainer. We are grateful for Congressman Stauber's willingness to work across the aisle on policy that will positively impact union organizing for years to come." 

According to Bloomberg Law, it takes an average of 458 days for unions and employers to agree on a first contract. 

The Faster Labor Contracts Act will amend Section 8(d) of the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) to require the following: 

• 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, a government mediator will step in to assist.
• If mediation fails 30 days after that, the dispute will be referred to a binding 3-person arbitration panel made up of one representative chosen by the workers, one representative chosen by the employers, and a neutral third member.                 

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