House Passes Bill to Speed Union Contract Negotiations
The U.S. House approved the Faster Labor Contracts Act, which sets timelines for union contract talks and allows federal arbitrators to impose agreements if negotiations stall. Twenty House Republicans joined Democrats in support.
ReasonThe U.S. House passed the Faster Labor Contracts Act, establishing new timelines for union contract negotiations and authorizing federal arbitrators to impose final agreements when talks reach an impasse. The measure aims to shorten the period between union certification and a first contract.
Under the legislation, employers and unions must begin bargaining within 10 days of certification. If no contract is reached after 90 days, either side may request mediation; after 30 additional days without resolution, arbitration becomes mandatory.
The bill also limits the scope of issues that can be submitted to arbitration and requires arbitrators to consider the employer's financial condition when setting contract terms.
Republicans joined Democrats to approve the measure. The vote marks the latest instance in which some Republicans have supported pro-labor legislation despite opposition from party leadership. Supporters said the changes would reduce delays that can last years under current procedures. Critics argued that binding arbitration removes workers' ability to reject contracts negotiated on their behalf.
