Faster Labor Contracts Act

 

 

Musing About The Faster Labor Contracts Act

 

 

While doing some research, I stumbled across this little gem from NPR:

 

“House Approves Bill to Speed Up Union Contract Negotiations.”

 

I was intrigued, clicked on the article, and read it. From the start, let me tell you, the reader, I heartily agree with this piece of legislation. Not only was it a bipartisan bill, but it also highlighted a growing problem in union contract negotiations. Corporations drag their feet on negotiating in good faith when workers have chosen to form and be represented by a union. Starbucks and Amazon are two examples of this tactic. In Buffalo, NY, a Starbucks store does not have a contract, and they voted to form a union in 2021. On Staten Island, Amazon workers voted to form a union in 2022, and they also lack a contract.

This bill – The Faster Labor Contracts Act – seeks to impose a timeline on union negotiations and stop the blatant stalling tactics corporations employ to erode support for unions.

Josh Hawley, senator from Missouri, had this to say about this piece of legislation he sponsored:

 

“The status quo hurts workers. Despite exercising their legal—and moral—right to bargain collectively, workers are often prevented from enjoying the benefits of the union they voted to form when mega-corporations drag their feet, slow-walk contract negotiations, and try to erode support for the union,” said Senator Hawley. “It’s wrong. We need real labor reform that puts workers first. I’m proud to introduce bipartisan and Teamsters-endorsed legislation that does just that.”

 

It has passed the house – now it’ll head to the senate. It’s likely to face stiff opposition, but I am 100% in favor of this legislation becoming law. 🤞