The U.S. House of Representatives passed the bipartisan Faster Labor Contracts Act (FLCA).
The bill, sponsored by Reps. Donald Norcross (D-N.J.) and Pete Stauber (R–Minn.), aims to “accelerate workplace time-to-contract under the National Labor Relations Act.”
In a 230-193 vote, the Democratic-led legislation passed with cross-party line support from 20 congressional Republicans.
How It Works
According to Reason, the FLCA is designed to expedite negotiations when a new union is certified or recognized. The bill does so by requiring the union and employers to enter contract talks within 10 days of a collective bargaining request.
Negotiations are given a 90-day timeline, followed by 30 days of mediation, before the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS) must be notified.
After the FMCS is notified, a three-person arbitration panel will be established. The panel’s majority could enforce a first contract with both parties, binding the employer and worker for two years unless they both later consent to changes.
Once the process is completed, the union would become the sole bargaining agent for every employee, including those who did not vote for it, did not join it, and may oppose its priorities.
Cosponsors Emphasize Workers' Rights
“The biggest loophole in labor law is how the richest executives in human history can simply run out the clock on their workers’ first union contract – denying their employees their fundamental collective bargaining rights, Congressman Norcross asserted “That dirty tactic is selfish, it’s immoral, and today's vote also puts it one step closer to being a relic of history.”
“America’s workers are the backbone of our economy, yet too often employers delay negotiations or refuse to engage in good-faith bargaining when it comes to a first union contract, Rep. Stauber affirmed. “The Faster Labor Contracts Act will ensure employers come to the table quickly, and I look forward to seeing this legislation have a positive impact on countless union workers and their families across the Northland.”
Some Argue It Will 'Erode Workers' Rights'
Despite the legislation’s efforts to promote workers’ rights, some argue that the FLCA could strip workers of the ability to negotiate on their own terms.
Rep. Tim Walberg (R–Mich.) said that the legislation "erodes workers' rights,” stating that a “government-appointed arbitration panel” would force a contract if the parties do not reach a deal within the bill’s timeline.
