House passes pro-union bill after 20 Republicans defy party, in latest move to bypass GOP leadership
CBS News • • nation
Key Points:
- House Democrats, with support from several Republicans, bypassed GOP leadership to pass the Faster Labor Contracts Act, aimed at speeding up negotiations for newly-formed unions' first collective bargaining agreements.
- The bill, introduced by Rep. Donald Norcross, passed 230 to 193, with 20 Republicans voting in favor, after a successful discharge petition that gathered the required majority support to force a floor vote.
- The legislation would amend the National Labor Relations Act to require employers to start contract negotiations within 10 days of a union's written request and establish timelines for mediation and subsequent steps if no agreement is reached within 90 days.
- Supporters argue the bill prevents employers from delaying negotiations for years, while opponents, like GOP Rep. Tim Walberg, contend it increases government intrusion into private workplaces and undermines workers' rights through forced arbitration.