H.R. 6141: Fair Access to Justice for Union Members Act

The Fair Access to Justice for Union Members Act is a bill aimed at changing certain rules regarding union member rights under the Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act of 1959. Here’s what the bill proposes:

Removal of Exhaustion Requirements

The main feature of the bill is the removal of the requirement for union members to exhaust internal hearing procedures before they can initiate legal or administrative proceedings against their union or its officers. Specifically, it amends a section of the Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act that currently states that union members may be required to go through reasonable hearing procedures within their union (though limited to a maximum of four months) before bringing a lawsuit or pursuing formal action.

Impact of the Changes

By eliminating this requirement, union members would have the ability to bypass internal procedures and proceed directly to court or other legal avenues if they believe they have been wronged by their union or its officials. This may potentially speed up the process for members seeking justice and open up more pathways for addressing grievances against unions.

Effective Date

The changes proposed would take effect 18 months after the bill is enacted. This gives time for unions and stakeholders to adjust to the new legal framework regarding member grievances and legal rights.

Summary of Provisions

• Short Title: Fair Access to Justice for Union Members Act
• Main Objective: Remove the requirement for union members to exhaust internal procedures before legal action.
• Impact: Allows union members to file lawsuits or seek administrative remedies without internal resolution processes.
• Effective Date: 18 months after enactment.

Relevant Companies

None found