Working people across the country scored an important victory when the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Faster Labor Contracts Act, legislation designed to prevent employers from dragging out negotiations after workers vote to form a union.
For decades, one of the most effective anti-union tactics has been delay. Even after workers exercise their legal right to organize and win union representation, some employers intentionally stall contract negotiations in hopes of weakening worker support, creating frustration, and ultimately undermining the newly certified union. In too many cases, workers who successfully organize never reach a first contract.
The Faster Labor Contracts Act addresses that problem by establishing a clear timeline for bargaining. Employers and unions would be required to begin negotiations promptly following union certification. If the parties are unable to reach agreement within established timeframes, federal mediation and arbitration procedures would ensure that workers are not left waiting indefinitely for the wages, benefits, and workplace protections they voted to secure. Under the legislation, bargaining must begin within 10 days of a union’s request, followed by mediation and, if necessary, binding arbitration to secure a first agreement.
The legislation recognizes the simple reality that workers should not have to fight one battle to win a union election and then fight a second battle just to get their employer to come to the bargaining table in good faith.
The AFL-CIO and its affiliated unions have been strong advocates for first-contract reform for many years. Labor leaders have consistently highlighted how employers exploit delays in the bargaining process to discourage workers and weaken organizing drives. The labor movement’s sustained advocacy, grassroots mobilization, and legislative outreach helped build support for this measure and keep the issue in front of lawmakers. In recent months, the AFL-CIO formally urged Congress to support the legislation and backed efforts to force a House vote, describing the bill as an important step toward broader labor law reforms that strengthen workers’ ability to organize and bargain collectively.
Richard Kline, president of the Union Label and Service Trades Department, AFL-CIO, welcomed House passage of the legislation and urged the Senate to act quickly.
“Workers who successfully organize a union should not have to wait years to secure the contract they voted for,” Kline said. “The Faster Labor Contracts Act helps ensure that employers cannot use delay as a tactic to undermine workers’ voices in the workplace. We applaud Rep. Donald Norcross and all those who helped advance this legislation through the House, and we urge the Senate to move swiftly to pass it. Working people deserve a fair path to a first contract and the opportunity to realize the benefits of collective bargaining.”
The legislation has also earned strong support from labor leaders across the movement. Teamsters General President Sean O’Brien called it “one of the most consequential labor bills to come before Congress in generations” because it would help prevent employers from endlessly delaying first-contract negotiations.
Special recognition is due to Norcross, who led the effort in the House and worked to build bipartisan support for the legislation. Norcross spearheaded the discharge petition that ultimately forced House action and helped move the bill forward despite significant opposition from corporate interests. His leadership ensured that workers’ voices were heard and that this important reform received the vote it deserved.
Passage in the House is an important milestone, but the fight is not over. The legislation must now clear the Senate before it can become law.
Union members and supporters can help by contacting their U.S. Senators and urging them to support the Faster Labor Contracts Act. Every call, email, and letter reinforces the message that workers deserve a fair process and a meaningful opportunity to secure a first collective bargaining agreement.
Take Action: Tell the Senate to Pass the Faster Labor Contracts Act
The House has done its job. Now it is time for the Senate to act.
Union members, retirees, family members, and allies are encouraged to contact their U.S. Senators and urge them to support the Faster Labor Contracts Act. This important legislation would help ensure that workers who vote to form a union have a fair opportunity to secure a first contract without facing endless delays and obstruction from employers.
Call the Capitol Switchboard
Call the U.S. Capitol Switchboard at (202) 224-3121 and ask to be connected to your Senators. You can also contact your Senators’ Washington offices directly.
A simple message is all it takes:
“I am calling to urge Senator ________ to support the Faster Labor Contracts Act. Workers who vote to form a union deserve a fair path to a first contract. Please support this legislation and stand with working families.”
Congressional offices track constituent calls closely. Every phone call helps demonstrate public support for protecting workers’ right to organize and bargain collectively.
The labor movement fought hard to secure passage of this legislation in the House. With your help, we can build the momentum needed to get it across the finish line in the Senate.
