H.R. 6142: Ask the Union Members Act

This bill, titled the "Ask the Union Members Act," proposes changes to the processes that unions must follow when ratifying contracts and authorizing strikes. The key provisions of the bill are as follows:

Secret Ballot Voting Requirements

The bill mandates that:

• All collective bargaining agreements (contracts) between unions and employers must be ratified through a secret ballot. This means that a majority of union members in good standing must vote in favor of the agreement in a referendum.
• Union members must be given access to the proposed contract at least 72 hours before the vote to ensure they can make an informed decision.

Strike Authorization Changes

In addition to contract ratification, the bill also stipulates that:

• Unions cannot authorize a strike unless a majority of their members in good standing have voted in favor of the strike through a secret ballot.

Implementation Timeline

The changes outlined in the bill would come into effect 18 months after the bill is enacted, giving unions time to adjust their processes to comply with the new requirements.

Summary of Changes

Overall, the "Ask the Union Members Act" introduces a requirement for greater member participation in key union decisions, aiming to ensure that both contract ratifications and strike authorizations reflect the will of the majority of union members through confidential voting processes.

Relevant Companies

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