As a member of the IBEW, New Jersey Rep. Donald Norcross knows firsthand the difference a union contract can make in the life of a worker.
Pay, benefits, and workplace conditions improve when workers are covered by a collective bargaining agreement.
That’s why on Sept 16, Norcross, along with Minnesota Rep. Pete Stauber, introduced a law to make the process of first-contract negotiations faster.
The big picture: On average it takes 458 days for a union and management to agree on a first contract, says Bloomberg Law. Some units, even after voting to form a union, never achieve first contracts.
“The right of workers to form a union and collectively bargain is crucial to improving wages, hours, working conditions, and so much more,” said Norcross. He is a member of Folsom, N.J. Local 351 and co-chair of the Congressional Labor Caucus. “I know because I’ve lived it.”
“Right now, employers can delay negotiations on first contracts for years,” Norcross said. “The Faster Labor Contracts Act will force employers to act in good faith and come to the negotiating table quickly.”
What is the Faster Labor Contracts Act: The bill would amend the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) to require that:
- Employers must begin negotiating within 10 days of workers voting to form a union
- If no agreement is reached after 90 days, the dispute will be referred to mediation
- If mediation fails after 30 days, the dispute will be referred to a binding arbitration panel to secure an initial contract
Senators Josh Hawley (R-MO) and Cory Booker (D-NJ) introduced this bill in the Senate.
“When workers vote to form a union, they shouldn’t have to wait months or years to get a fair contract while employers stall,” IBEW President Kenneth W. Cooper said.
“The Faster Labor Contracts Act puts power back in the hands of working people by setting clear deadlines for bargaining, mediation, and binding arbitration. IBEW’s 873,000 members know a union contract means better wages, safer working conditions, and a voice on the job. It’s time for Congress to stand with workers and pass this bill.”