Historic Labor Measure to Guarantee Timely Initial Contracts for Employees Advances to U.S. Senate

/PRNewswire/ - With cross-party backing the U.S. House of Representatives approved the Faster Labor Contracts Act (FLCA) a Teamsters-driven proposal that may rank among the most significant labor reforms for U.S. workers in many years. Only three weeks earlier a discharge petition led by Congressman Donald Norcross (D-NJ 1st District) secured the 218 signatures required to bring the measure to a vote and hold employers responsible for stalling first union agreements.

"The Faster Labor Contracts Act stands as the most important labor legislation Congress has considered in decades. Its bipartisan House passage marks a major step forward for millions of working Americans" said Teamsters General President Sean M. O'Brien. "The 1.3-million member Teamsters Union built a broad coalition of Democrats Republicans and Independents focused on bettering conditions for working families. Record numbers of employees at Amazon and other large firms frustrated by excessive workloads low pay and lack of respect are forming unions. The current system lets companies prolong talks and avoid their duty to negotiate fair first contracts. The FLCA offers a genuine chance to correct long-standing imbalances and give workers equal footing. The Teamsters look forward to Senate action on this critical bill so it can reach the President's desk."

The FLCA would update the National Labor Relations Act to require employers to begin bargaining with newly unionized workers within 10 days of a successful vote. It sets a clear schedule for good-faith talks provides mediation after 90 days without agreement and allows arbitration to settle first contracts fairly.

The companion Senate bill introduced last year by Senator Josh Hawley (R-MO) and Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) continues to attract bipartisan backing.

"The Teamsters Union thanks every House member who chose to support workers set aside party differences and move this bill forward" said Teamsters General Secretary-Treasurer Fred Zuckerman. "Today American workers wait an average of 458 days while employers delay and avoid negotiating first union contracts. With Teamsters support the FLCA will stop such corporate tactics and give employees the chance to improve their lives and strengthen the middle class. The Teamsters recognize Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D NY-08) along with House Republicans and Democrats who brought the measure to the floor. The Senate should now schedule markup and pass the FLCA without delay."

Established in 1903 the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents 1.3 million working people across the U.S. Canada and Puerto Rico. Visit the Teamsters website for additional details. Follow on X at Teamsters and on Facebook at Facebook.com/teamsters.

Contact:
Kara Deniz (202) 497-6610
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SOURCE International Brotherhood of Teamsters