Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) issued the following statement after voting to advance the Faster Labor Contracts Act (HR 5408) in the U.S. House of Representatives. Smith was joined by fellow New Jersey Republican, Rep. Jeff Van Drew (R-NJ-02), in supporting final passage of the bill:

                “Today, I voted in support of the Faster Labor Contracts Act (HR 5408) to enable America’s working men and women to exercise their fundamental right to establish collective bargaining units and negotiate for a better work environment.”

                “Regrettably, after a vote is held and a union is formed, some unscrupulous employers drag out or stall talks as an insidious tactic to erode worker morale, weaken support for their elected union, and undermine efforts for better work environments and wages. 

                “To close this gaping loophole, HR 5408 sets up an orderly and timely negotiation process, establishes deadlines and provides an effective means for mediation and arbitration to secure a first contract in a reasonable amount of time. 

                “The Faster Labor Contracts Act reinforces the good-faith contract negotiations that play a key role in advancing the efforts of hardworking Americans to attain better wages, hours, conditions, and safer environments. Moreover, the establishment of a reliable negotiation framework will bring about a more stable economic environment for both workers and their employers by minimizing labor disputes and avoiding workplace disruptions.”

###