Workers are the backbone of the American economy. When they can negotiate better wages, benefits and working conditions, we all win. Across industries, from construction to health care to education, unions have long afforded workers a seat at the table. At a time when so many families feel squeezed by rising costs, giving workers a fair chance to collectively bargain is one of the most effective ways to help them get ahead.

As two card-carrying union members, we know firsthand the power of organizing and the benefits unions bring to both workers and businesses. We have sat across the table in tough negotiations, and we have seen the results: better paychecks, safer workplaces and greater security for families. 

Once workers have held union elections and voted to begin contract negotiations, the process shouldn’t be stalled. Unionized workers generally earn up to 20 percent more than their nonunion counterparts, which helps boost employee morale and retention and reduces business costs of training new staff. Companies also benefit from the multi-year contracts unions negotiate, which makes budgeting more predictable and long-term financial planning easier to manage.

Despite these clear benefits, the process of reaching a first contract can often drag on for well over a year. Unions are met with delay and silence while trying to negotiate. According to Bloomberg Law, it takes an average of 458 days for workers and employers to reach a contract after a union is formed. And that’s after workers have already won a union election — a process that is too often met with stiff resistance or outright union-busting.

Employers are required by law to bargain in good faith with workers who have voted to form a union, but the lack of an enforcement mechanism makes it all too easy for bad actors to drag out first contract negotiations. Something must be done to keep the process on track and give workers a real opportunity to fight for the fair salaries and benefits they deserve. 

That’s why we are introducing the Faster Labor Contracts Act to finally address this problem and speed up the process of reaching that first collective bargaining agreement between a newly unionized group of workers and their employer. 

Under our bill, contract negotiations would be required to start no later than ten days after workers vote to unionize. If no agreement is reached within 90 days, a government mediator would step in to assist. If negotiations remain deadlocked after an additional 30 days, the contract would be referred to an arbitration panel consisting of one representative chosen by the workers, one by the employer, and a neutral third member. This panel would then craft a fair two-year contract. 

This isn’t partisan. It simply adds teeth to the existing laws that govern collective bargaining. It’s about something we all want, respect and a thriving economy where workers can succeed and businesses can grow. With our bill workers aren’t getting special treatment, but they are getting a fair shot. That’s what the Faster Labor Contracts Act is about. It’s about guaranteeing working people have fair say in determining their future.

Donald Norcross represents the 1st District of New Jersey in Congress and Pete Stauber represents Minnesota’s 8th District in Congress.