H.R. 5408 · Passed House · Labor and Employment

Faster Labor Contracts Act

Sponsor: Donald Norcross (D-NJ)

What it does

• Requires collective bargaining to begin within 10 days of an employer receiving a written request from a newly recognized or certified union.
• Lets either party request Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service mediation if no initial agreement is reached after 90 days.
• Refers the parties to an arbitration panel if mediation fails within 30 days, with the panel's decision binding for two years.
• Requires the panel to weigh factors including the employer's finances and employees' cost of living.
• Requires employers to keep current wages and conditions during talks and to keep bargaining even if the union is decertified, with a GAO report to Congress.

Official summary

Faster Labor Contracts Act This bill establishes mandatory deadlines for parties negotiating an initial collective bargaining agreement (CBA) and provides for mediation and arbitration to finalize CBAs. Under the bill, CBA negotiations must begin within 10 days after an employer receives a written request from a newly recognized or certified bargaining representative. The bill provides that parties must make every reasonable effort to conclude and sign a CBA. Further, the bill provides that, if the parties have not reached an agreement after 90 days, either party may request mediation by the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS). The bill directs FMCS to use its best efforts to secure an agreement. If mediation does not result in an agreement within 30 days (or an additional period agreed to by both parties), FMSC must refer the parties to an arbitration panel to render a decision settling the dispute. The panel must consider specified factors, including the employer's financial prospects and employees' cost of living. The resulting CBA is binding on the parties for two years. (Parties may agree to amend the terms during the two-year period.) The bill specifies that…

Latest action

Jun 10, 2026: Received in the Senate.

Committee: House Education and Workforce