The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM Union) called on members of Congress on April 20 to sign a discharge petition initiated by U.S. Representative Donald Norcross, a Democrat from New Jersey, to bring the Faster Labor Contracts Act to a vote. The legislation seeks to ensure that workers can secure their first union contract without extended delays.
Collective bargaining is recognized as a fundamental right under the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA), which allows most U.S. workers to form unions and negotiate over wages, hours, and working conditions. However, many newly unionized workers experience lengthy waits before reaching an initial agreement with management.
“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, the NLRA does not set any deadline for achieving a first contract between unions and employers, which means negotiations can be delayed for months or even years while existing workplace conditions remain unchanged. According to Bloomberg Law, it takes an average of 458 days for parties 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.”
