Senate Bill 844, also known as The Faster Labor Contracts Act was introduced in March 2025. As labor relations matters continue to stagnate before the quorum-less National Labor Relations Board (“NLRB”), this new bill is starting to gain attention for its potential to (1) turn labor contract negotiation rules on their head in the United States and (2) substantially improve the bargaining position of unions.
The Faster Labor Contracts Act make it easier and quicker for unions to negotiate initial collective bargaining agreements with employers. It is seen as an extremely pro-union piece of legislation, and if passed would be a significant win for labor advocates and unions.
What is surprising to some is the fact that Josh Hawley, a Republican Senator from Missouri, who is usually associated with conservative policies, is sponsoring this legislation along with five Democrats and one other Republican.
Why Is Josh Hawley, a Republican, the Primary Sponsor for A Key Piece of Pro-Union Legislation?
Josh Hawley’s introduction of the Faster Labor Contracts Act may seem unexpected to some, particularly given his conservative background both as a former law clerk to SCOTUS Chief Justice Roberts, Missouri Attorney General, and a Republican Senator who objected to the certification of Joe Biden’s victory in the 2020 election. Generally a staunch advocate for small government, Hawley’s past positions have typically aligned with business-friendly policies.
However, Hawley’s backing of this labor-friendly bill signals an ongoing shift in his approach to worker’s rights. His position reflects broader changes within some in the Republican Party who seek a more populist appeal and desire to be seen as advocating for the working class and pushing back against corporate interests. A number of Republican lawmakers, including Senator Hawley and Senator Bernie Moreno from Ohio, and Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick from Pennsylvania, are focusing more on issues that resonate with working-class voters, such as wages, job security, and economic fairness to help garner more working-class votes. Vice-President JD Vance is certainly part of this movement, as his working class roots in southern Ohio, near the Kentucky border, help propel him to take pro-union stances on certain labor issues that are often not associated with the Republican party.
Building Ties with the Teamsters: One of the most interesting elements of Hawley’s support for the Faster Labor Contracts Act is his close relationship with the Teamsters Union, one of the largest and most influential labor unions in the country (almost 1.5 million members). Historically, the Teamsters have been aligned with Democratic lawmakers, but in recent years, they’ve made efforts to reach across the aisle to Republicans, especially those who claim to advocate for the working class.
Hawley’s connection with the Teamsters has strengthened over time and he is currently seen as a key pro-union legislator by the many in the union movement. Hawley was publicly praised by Teamsters President Sean O’Brien in 2024. His introduction of and support for the Faster Labor Contracts Act will likely deepen his relationship with the Teamsters and sends a strong signal that Hawley may be positioning himself as a champion of workers for a possible 2028 Presidential run.
What is the Faster Labor Contracts Act?
The Faster Labor Contracts Act (“FLCA” or “Act”) is a recent legislative proposal designed to promote unionization, streamline the collective bargaining process, and reduce delays in initial union contract negotiations. The bill, which has garnered bipartisan support, aims to speed up the process by:
- Imposing deadlines on negotiations: The Act requires employers and unions to begin bargaining and to reach an agreement within a set time frame after union certification.
- Establishing clearer dispute resolution methods: In the event that negotiations break down, the Act proposes a formalized mediation process, and in the worst-case scenario, arbitration, where an impartial third party resolves the disputes and sets contract terms.
Key Specific Provisions of the Faster Labor Contracts Act
- Immediate Bargaining. Bargaining must begin no later than ten (10) days after an employer received a written request for collective bargaining from union.
- Mandatory Mediation: If talks fail to reach a conclusion, a neutral third party mediator will be brought in to facilitate discussions and encourage compromise. If mediation doesn’t work, binding arbitration will follow.
- Automatic Arbitration for Delayed Contracts: If an initial collective bargaining agreement is not agreed upon within a set period (typically 90 days – which is basically unheard of for an initial CBA) and subsequent mediation is unsuccessful, interest arbitration is mandated. Under interest arbitration, a three-person arbitration panel will set the terms and conditions of employment, including wages and benefits, for all the employees in the bargaining unit. In doing so, the law requires the arbitration panel to expressly consider such things as the employer’s financial status, the size of the employer, and the employees’ ability to sustain themselves and their families and dependents on the wages and benefits being earned (i.e. living wage).
Current Status of the Legislation
As of now, the FLCA is in the early stages of its legislative journey and is currently in committee review. It is being closely watched by labor advocates, business groups, and lawmakers alike, as it has the potential to reshape labor relations in the U.S. The bill was referred to the Senate Committee on Labor and Human Resources upon introduction. No formal recorded hearings have been held yet on the legislation and the White House has yet to comment on it.
Conclusion
The Faster Labor Contracts Act is not just another piece of legislation—it represents a significant shift in the conversation around private sector labor relations in the United States. Josh Hawley’s support for the bill underscores the changing dynamics in American politics, where issues of workers' rights and corporate accountability are becoming increasingly central. With his backing of the Teamsters, Hawley has emerged as a key player in this evolving debate, signaling that labor reform could become an area of unusual bipartisan cooperation in the years to come.
As the Faster Labor Contracts Act moves through the legislative process, workers, unions, and business groups alike will be watching closely. If you want more information on the FLCA, including more insight on what this bill and other recent developments might mean for the future of labor negotiations in the United States, we encourage you to attend our upcoming complimentary webinar on July 24, 2025, entitled NLRB Happenings & Republican Sponsored Pro-Union Legislation. To learn more about this webinar or to register, click here.
