The U.S. House passed a labor-backed bill on Tuesday that would make it easier for new unions to get their first contracts as 20 Republicans broke from their party to support the measure.
The Faster Labor Contracts Act passed by a 230-193 vote with all 210 Democrats voting in favor and 192 Republicans voting against. The bill now goes to the Republican-controlled Senate.
Rep. Chris Smith (R-N.J.) released a statement after he voted for the bill.
“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,” Smith said. …