Sets deadlines, mediation and binding arbitration for first union contracts

§1What it does

Why this matters: A plain-English description of the bill as it was voted on, written by us from the official summary and text.

✎ Drafted by AI from the public sources cited. Each sentence links to its source.

This bill would set deadlines for employers and newly recognized or certified unions to negotiate their first collective bargaining agreement, or union contract, starting with a requirement to begin talks within 10 days of the union's written request.^2,3 If there is no agreement after 90 days, either side could ask the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service to mediate, and if mediation does not produce an agreement within 30 days, or a longer period both sides accept, the dispute would go to an arbitration panel whose decision would bind both sides for two years.³ The panel would have to weigh factors including the employer's financial prospects and workers' cost of living, and the two sides could agree to change the terms during those two years.³ Employers would have to keep current wages, hours and working conditions in place during negotiations, and the Government Accountability Office would report on how long it takes to reach first contracts.³

§2Status

§3How Congress voted

Why this matters: The official count.