The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM Union) called on members of Congress on April 20 to sign U.S. Representative Donald Norcross’s discharge petition, which would force a vote on the Faster Labor Contracts Act. The proposed bipartisan legislation aims to help workers secure their first union contract without unnecessary delays.
The issue is important because collective bargaining, protected under the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA), is considered a key right for most American workers. However, after voting to unionize, many employees face long 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, there is no timeline under the NLRA for achieving a first contract, which allows some employers to stall negotiations for months or even years while maintaining existing conditions. Bloomberg Law reports that it takes an average of 458 days for unions and employers 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.”
