East Twin Cities

Congressman Pete Stauber (R-MN) and Congressman Donald Norcross (D-NJ) have introduced the Faster Labor Contracts Act, a bipartisan bill aimed at speeding up the process for new unions to secure their first collective bargaining agreements. The lawmakers announced the legislation during a press conference in Washington, D.C.

The proposed act would amend Section 8(d) of the National Labor Relations Act. Under its provisions, employers must begin negotiations with newly formed unions within 10 days after workers vote to unionize. If no agreement is reached after 90 days, a government mediator will intervene. Should mediation fail after an additional 30 days, the dispute would be sent to a binding arbitration panel consisting of one representative each from labor and management, along with a neutral third party.

Stauber, who has represented Minnesota’s 8th district in Congress since 2019 and previously served on the St. Louis County Commission, spoke about his own experience as a union organizer. “America’s workers are the backbone of our economy, yet far too often, they are met with silence or stalling tactics from employers when negotiating their first union contract,” said Congressman Pete Stauber. “As a former police officer who organized my union, I’ve seen firsthand how unfair and frustrating this process can be for some. That’s why I am proud to partner with Representative Norcross to hold employers accountable and ensure workers have a real voice at the negotiating table, because when our workers succeed, our entire nation succeeds.”

Norcross emphasized the importance of timely contract negotiations for unionized employees. “The right of workers to form a union and collectively bargain is crucial to improving wages, hours, working conditions, and so much more. I know because I’ve lived it,” said Congressman Donald Norcross, Co-Founder and Co-Chair of the Congressional Labor Caucus. “Right now, employers can delay negotiations on first contracts for years. This hurts workers who, despite exercising their right to bargain collectively, are prevented from doing so by employers who enjoy the benefits of the status quo. The Faster Labor Contracts Act will force employers to act in good faith and come to the negotiating table quickly.”

Support for the bill comes from various labor leaders across national unions:

“Greedy corporations will do everything they can to deny workers a fair first contract and the wages and benefits they've earned," said International Brotherhood of Teamsters General President Sean M. O'Brien. "The Faster Labor Contracts Act is much-needed legislation that will expedite the process and hold employers accountable when they drag out negotiations. The Teamsters commend Representatives Norcross and Stauber for introducing a bill that will help newly organized workers secure the fair first contract they deserve."

“Organized labor in America has been under attack by the politicians in DC for 40 years. Due to bad trade deals, weakened labor laws, and obstacles for employees trying to join a union, union membership has dropped to its lowest level in American history,” said Teamsters Local 346 Secretary Treasurer Zak Radzak. “With the Faster Labor Contracts Act by Congressman Pete Stauber, unions will no longer be undermined by long, drawn-out negotiations that diminish their power and progress. Unions will be able to better support future members by securing contracts in a more reasonable timeframe under this critical legislation. When unions win, the middle class wins! Thank you, Congressman Stauber, for working across the aisle for the American workers!”

"The Faster Labor Contracts Act will protect workers across Minnesota and the entire United States,” said Teamsters Joint Council 32 President Tom Erickson. “Being able to speed up negotiating a first contract is a no brainer. We are grateful for Congressman Stauber's willingness to work across the aisle on policy that will positively impact union organizing for years to come."

Bloomberg Law reports that it currently takes an average of 458 days for unions and employers to agree on an initial contract.

The bill has received endorsements from several major national unions including but not limited to: International Brotherhood of Teamsters; Amalgamated Transit Union; American Compass; International Association of Fire Fighters; International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers; United Steelworkers; United Food and Commercial Workers International Union; United Mine Workers of America; Utility Workers Union of America.

Stauber was born in Duluth in 1966 and resides in Hermantown.Pete Stauber represents Minnesota’s 8th district since replacing Rick Nolan in 2019.He previously served on St. Louis County Commission before joining Congress.Stauber graduated from Lake Superior State University.