Congressman PAT RYAN Fights for Hudson Valley Unions, Votes to PASS Landmark BILL Speeding UP Labor Contracts

June 15, 2026 Press Release Congressman Pat Ryan Fights for Hudson Valley Unions, Votes to Pass Landmark Bill Speeding Up Labor Contracts The “Faster Labor Contracts Act” speeds up the process of finalizing a first contract between a newly certified union and the employer According to Bloomberg Law, when a new union forms it takes an average of 458 days for unions and employers to agree on a first contract ; bipartisan legislation will ensure that when workers vote to form a union, employers are not allowed to drag out negotiations on first contracts WASHINGTON, DC  – Last week, Congressman Pat Ryan voted to pass the Faster Labor Contracts Act – landmark legislation to speed up the process of finalizing a first contract between a newly certified union and the employer. According to Bloomberg Law, when a new union forms it takes an average of 458 days for unions and employers to agree on a first contract . The House-passed bipartisan legislation will ensure that when workers vote to form a union, employers are not allowed to drag out negotiations on first contracts. “The Hudson Valley was built by our skilled trades unions. From the Bricklayers to the Carpenters to SEIU to the Letter Carriers, union members work tirelessly everyday to help our communities run smoothly,” said Congressman Pat Ryan. “When a new union forms, that first contract is critical to securing better hours, better working conditions, and better pay, which is why we too often see companies dragging their feet on a contract. With the Faster Labor Contracts Act, we’re closing a loophole that employers have used for far too long to squash union activity and will now force them to the negotiating table more quickly. I’m proud of this bipartisan win for working families and will keep fighting to protect the right to organize and collectively bargain for our unions in every corner of the Hudson Valley.” “Unions serve as catalysts for America's economy and backbone for our middle class through their creation of family sustaining careers, fair wages, and precedent-setting safety standards. Without them, our communities, infrastructure, and key industries would suffer,” said Gary LaBarbera, President of the New York State Building Trades. “This is why it is imperative that workers have the opportunity to organize efficiently without calculated delays from employers looking to hinder collective bargaining efforts. We thank Congressman Pat Ryan for his work on and support of the Faster Labor Contracts Act, which will play a crucial role in ensuring hardworking people will maintain their ability to pursue unionization and advocate for their rights.” “Time and time again Congressman Pat Ryan is out there fighting for the rights of workers,” said Todd Diorio, President Hudson Valley Building and Construction Trades Council. “The faster labor contracts act will ensure employers can no longer drag out the first contract negotiation. Workers who want union representation deserve a timely contract and this bipartisan bill is a game changer.” “IBEW Local 363 wholeheartedly supports the Faster Labor Contracts Act. We are proud to see Congressman Ryan help pass this important change in the labor law,” said Sam Fratto, Business Manager of IBEW Local 363 Hudson Valley NY. “We have firsthand experience with employers using stall tactics, and purposely passing time to chill bargaining and negotiations. This long overdue change will prevent that from happening, ensuring workers can achieve their goal of a fair contract.” Nationally, the bill is endorsed by the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO), American Federation of Teachers (AFT), Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU), American Compass, Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes Division–International Brotherhood of Teamsters, International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE), International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental and Reinforcing Iron Workers (IW), International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF), International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), International Organization of Masters, Mates & Pilots, International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers, International Union of Operating Engineers, International Union of Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT), International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW), Laborers' International Union of North America (LiUNA), Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association (M.E.B.A.), National Education Association (NEA), National Employment Law Project, Transportation Communications Union (TCU/IAM), Transport Workers Union (TWU), United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipe Fitting Industry of the United States and Canada (UA), United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America (UBC), United Food and Commercial Workers International Union (UFCW), United Mine Workers of America (UMWA), United Steelworkers (USW), Utility Workers Union of America. Congressman Ryan has been a leader in the fight for organized labor throughout his time in Congress. Last month, Ryan fought to require the Federal Highway Administration to uphold its responsibility to approve federal highway and bridge projects that incorporate Project Labor Agreements. Notably, last year, Ryan railed against President Trump’s so-called “Big Beautiful Bill Act,” after NABTU President Sean McGarvey called it a “massive insult” that stands to be “ the biggest job killing bill in the history of this country .” IBEW President Kenneth Cooper added that the now-law would “cost hundreds of thousands of good-paying construction jobs, billions of work hours, and hundreds of billions in lost wages and economic benefits to America’s middle class.” Additionally, Ryan co-sponsors the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act , which protects the right to organize; the Tax Fairness for Workers Act , that allows an above-the-line tax deduction for union dues and expenses; and the No Tax Breaks for Union Busting Act . ### Issues : An Economy that Works for All Freedom for All