HR5408-119

What This Bill Does

The Faster Labor Contracts Act targets first-contract delays after workers choose union representation. Its findings cite a 2021 Bloomberg Law study showing an average 465 days between a representation vote and a first contract, and argue that delay benefits employers opposed to union representation. The bill amends National Labor Relations Act section 8(d) so employers must maintain current wages, hours, and terms pending agreement and the duty to bargain continues absent decertification. For initial collective bargaining agreements after certification or recognition, parties must meet within 10 days after a written request and make every reasonable effort to agree. If no agreement is reached after 90 days, either party may request Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service mediation. If mediation does not produce agreement within 30 days, FMCS must refer the dispute to a three-person arbitration panel. The union and employer each choose one member within 14 days, FMCS fills failures to appoint, and a majority decision creates a binding two-year contract unless later amended by written consent. The panel must consider employer finances, operations, employees' cost of living, workers' ability to support themselves and dependents, and comparable wages and benefits. GAO must report within one year on average workplace time-to-contract.

Who Benefits and How

Newly organized employees benefit because the bill creates deadlines, mediation, and binding arbitration to prevent first-contract delay. Labor organizations benefit from a statutory path to a first contract after certification or recognition. Union negotiators benefit because employers must maintain current wages and working conditions while bargaining continues. Workers in newly unionized workplaces benefit if arbitration produces enforceable wages and benefits after mediation fails.

Who Bears the Burden and How

Employers in first-contract negotiations must begin bargaining within 10 days, maintain current terms, participate in mediation, and accept binding arbitration if talks fail. FMCS staff must provide mediation and administer arbitration-panel referrals. Arbitration panel members must set two-year contract terms using statutory criteria. GAO analysts must study average time from recognition or certification to first collective bargaining agreement.

Key Provisions

• Requires first-contract bargaining to begin within 10 days after a written request.
• Requires FMCS mediation after 90 days without agreement and binding arbitration after 30 more days if mediation fails.
• Requires employers to maintain current wages, hours, and working conditions pending agreement.
• Establishes a binding two-year arbitration decision unless amended by written consent.
• Requires GAO to report on average workplace time-to-contract within one year.