Fair Access to Justice for Union Members Act

Fair Access to Justice for Union Members Act
H.R. 6141
Sponsored by Rep. Mark Harris (R-NC)

The Fair Access to Justice for Union Members Act would eliminate the requirement that union members must first exhaust “internal reasonable hearing procedures” before filing lawsuits or administrative complaints against their union or its officers.

This change would empower rank‑and‑file members by giving them faster and more direct access to courts, ensuring accountability when union leadership is accused of violating the Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act (LMRDA). Union members would no longer be required to first go through often lengthy internal union grievance or hearing processes.

This legislation is part of a broader effort by Republicans on the House Committee on Education and Workforce to update union governance rules under the Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act of 1959. Committee Republicans have argued that some unions have become too opaque and politically focused, and that union members deserve greater transparency and accountability about how their dues are spent and how decisions are made.

Bill Status: The Fair Access to Justice for Union Members Act was introduced on November 19, 2025. It was referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce, which held a hearing on the bill on December 17, 2025.

Additional Resources:

@EdWorkforceCmte Bills Strengthen Worker Protections, Hold Union Leaders Accountable
https://edworkforce.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=412827