The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM Union) called on members of Congress on April 20 to sign a discharge petition introduced by U.S. Representative Donald Norcross, a Democrat from New Jersey, in an effort to advance the Faster Labor Contracts Act. The proposed bipartisan legislation is designed to help workers secure their first union contract without unnecessary delays.
Collective bargaining rights are protected for most U.S. workers under the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA). While these rights allow employees to form unions and negotiate with employers, many face lengthy waits after unionizing before reaching an initial agreement.
“The ability to collectively bargain a contract with their employer is central to why workers in growing numbers are exercising their right to form and join unions,” said IAM Union International President Brian Bryant. “Securing a first contract is perhaps the most important part of collective bargaining – and it is also often the hardest. Employers know they can drag their feet and demoralize workers. This Faster Labor Contracts Act changes that dynamic by making union-busting employers actually come to the table.”
Currently, there is no required timeline under the NLRA for negotiating a first contract, which allows some employers to delay talks for extended periods while maintaining existing conditions. According to Bloomberg Law, it takes an average of 458 days for unions and employers in the United States to reach an initial agreement.
Bryant said, “The IAM Union applauds Congressman Norcross and his allies in Congress for taking this needed step to advance the Faster Labor Contracts Act helping workers obtain a too often elusive first contract.”
