The proposed rule issued today by the National Labor Relations Board, an agency that investigates unfair labor practices, would bring changes sought by unions, such as faster hearing deadlines and streamlining of procedures.

The push for quicker elections is a victory for labor groups such as the AFL-CIO. It’s a sign of the NLRB’s pro-labor tilt since President Barack Obama’s appointees have become a majority, according to Michael Eastman, executive director of labor law policy with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in Washington, the nation’s largest business lobbying group.

“We knew it was only a matter of time before the administration used the regulatory process to tilt the playing field in organized labor’s favor,” Eastman said today in an e- mail.

The NLRB proposal would eliminate unnecessary litigation and consolidate the board’s review of challenges, according to a statement by the agency.

“The board is taking a modest step to remove roadblocks and reduce unnecessary and costly litigation -- and that’s good news for employers as well as employees,” the ALF-CIO said in a statement.