ITHACA, NY — Congressman Josh Riley (NY-19) on September 23 announced that he is introducing the bipartisan Faster Labor Contracts Act (H.R. 5408), legislation that makes sure that workers vote to form a union don’t have to wait years for their first contract.

The bill requires employers to start bargaining within 10 days of a union vote. If no agreement is reached in 90 days, talks move to mediation. If mediation fails within 30 days, the dispute heads to binding arbitration to lock in a fair first contract.

“When workers vote to form a union, it shouldn’t take years to get a first contract,” Riley said. “Too often, big corporations drag their feet and use delay tactics to wear workers down. This bill gives workers the power to win the fair wages, good benefits, and the dignity they’ve earned.”

On average, it takes more than 450 days for workers to secure a first contract after forming a union. Workers across Upstate have faced the same delays, with employers dragging out talks and stalling on first contracts.

The bill has the backing of a broad coalition of unions, including the Teamsters, TWU, UBC, UFCW, IBEW, ATU, UAW, LiUNA, IAFF, IATSE, USW, and more. Teamsters General President Sean O’Brien called it “one of the most consequential bills for organized labor in generations.”

Riley pledged to continue pressing for stronger labor laws and fair contracts as the bill moves through Congress