H.R. 5338: Union Auto Workers Job Protection Act

This bill, known as the Union Auto Workers Job Protection Act, aims to enhance information transparency about motor vehicle procurement contracts for federal agencies, specifically focusing on the assembly plants where the vehicles are made. The key aspects of the bill include:

Information Requirements for Bids

When a federal agency is considering bids for contracts related to motor vehicles, the bill mandates that the following information must be provided:

• The mailing address of each motor vehicle plant where the vehicles will be made or assembled.
• A description of what each motor vehicle plant produces if multiple plants are involved.
• The average, minimum, and maximum hourly wages of workers at these assembly plants.
• The number of temporary employees at each plant.
• Disclosures about any violations of labor laws or safety regulations by the employers at these plants.

Contract Requirements

For contracts awarded by federal agencies, there are also specific requirements:

• The information outlined above must be included in the contract.
• If a contractor wants to change the assembly plant mentioned in the contract, they must get prior written permission from the federal agency.
• Requests for such changes must include all relevant information concerning wages and compliance with labor and safety laws for the new plant.
• Contractors are required to notify affected labor organizations whenever there is a request to change the plant.
• Contractors must also maintain a policy of neutrality regarding any union organizing efforts at the plants involved.

Definitions

A number of key terms are defined in the bill to clarify its application:

• Covered Contract: Refers to contracts relating specifically to the assembly of vehicles.
• Executive Agency: Includes various U.S. federal agencies and the United States Postal Service.
• Labor Organization: Defined as per the National Labor Relations Act.
• Motor Vehicle: Defined according to existing U.S. legal standards.
• Motor Vehicle Assembly Employer: An employer involved in assembling vehicles at designated plants.
• Motor Vehicle Plant: Any location where vehicles are manufactured or assembled.

Prohibition on Federal Spending

The bill includes a specific prohibition on federal funds being used to purchase delivery vehicles unless the Postal Service receives a change order on its contract with Oshkosh Defense. This change order must require Oshkosh to:

• Agree that compliance with a union neutrality agreement is essential for federal payment decisions.
• Certify its commitment to executing this neutrality agreement for all production workers involved in the contract.

Relevant Companies

• OSK - Oshkosh Corporation: As the company tied to the Postal Service delivery vehicle contract, this bill directly impacts Oshkosh's operations regarding union agreements and compliance issues.