Faster Labor Contracts Act

The Faster Labor Contracts Act would modify federal labor law to speed up negotiations for initial collective bargaining agreements between newly unionized workers and employers. Currently, negotiations for first contracts can take over a year. Under this bill, employers would be required to begin bargaining within 10 days of a union's certification. If the parties cannot reach an agreement within 90 days, the bill would require federal mediation. If mediation fails within an additional 30 days, a three-person arbitration panel would be appointed to impose a binding two-year contract based on factors including the employer's financial status and employees' ability to sustain themselves on their wages.

The bill is currently under consideration by the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. Supporters argue it would prevent employers from using delay tactics to undermine union organizing efforts and would help workers secure better wages and benefits more quickly. Critics contend it would impose contracts on parties without their agreement and give government bureaucrats excessive authority over employment decisions. The bill has bipartisan sponsorship, including support from both Republican and Democratic senators.