Supporting Workers to Strengthen the Economy
Workers play a crucial role in the American economy. When they have the ability to negotiate for better wages, benefits, and working conditions, it tends to benefit everyone involved. Unions, from construction to healthcare and education, have historically provided workers with a voice. In times when many families feel financial pressure, allowing workers to negotiate collectively can be one of the most effective ways to help them progress.
As union members ourselves, we’ve experienced the benefits of organizing firsthand. We’ve participated in challenging negotiations that, in the end, led to better pay, safer work environments, and increased security for our families.
The journey shouldn’t stop once workers vote for union representation and begin contract talks. Generally, organized workers earn about 20% more than their non-union peers, which boosts morale and helps retain employees, ultimately reducing the expenses associated with training new hires. Employers also gain from negotiated multi-year contracts, as they facilitate better long-term financial planning.
Despite these benefits, the initial contract negotiations can often stretch over a year or more. Unions may face delays and a lack of communication during this time. According to Bloomberg Law, reaching a contract typically takes an average of 458 days after a union is formed. This lengthy process often faces significant obstacles, including strong opposition and attempts to dismantle the union.
Although employers are legally obligated to negotiate in good faith with workers who have voted to unionize, the absence of a robust enforcement mechanism makes it too easy for some to avoid serious negotiations. We need to ensure the process runs more smoothly, granting workers a genuine chance to advocate for fair wages and benefits.
Therefore, we are proposing faster labor contract legislation aimed at addressing this issue and expediting the process of establishing that initial collective bargaining agreement between newly organized workers and their employers.
Under our proposal, contract negotiations will have to commence within 10 days of a union vote. If no agreement is reached within 90 days, government mediators will step in to assist. Should talks still be stalled after another 30 days, the contract will be passed on to an arbitration committee that includes one worker representative, one employer representative, and a neutral third party. This committee will work to finalize a fair two-year contract.
This isn’t a partisan issue. It aims to strengthen existing laws around collective bargaining. Ultimately, it’s about achieving what we all desire: respect and a thriving economy where both workers can flourish and businesses can expand. Our bill does not provide special treatment; it simply offers workers a fair opportunity. The intent of the faster labor contract law is to ensure that workers have a legitimate say in their futures.
