#AB1577: an explainer.
This bill simply gives most staff who work for the legislature the same right all other public employees enjoy: the right to form a union & collectively bargain if they wish.
If the bill passes, the implementation has been delayed to mid year 2024.
This bill simply gives most staff who work for the legislature the same right all other public employees enjoy: the right to form a union & collectively bargain if they wish.
If the bill passes, the implementation has been delayed to mid year 2024.
The staff within the legislature would have to organize themselves into a union, with over 50% agreeing they want a union. Over 50% would have to agree on what union would represent them. It could be one you’ve heard of, or one that is independent and you’ve never heard of.
There are existing unions that already deal with allegations of conflict of interest, such as unions that represent journalists. There are unions that absolutely do not participate in political or lobbying efforts. Workers could choose any of these to organize with or create one.
Once a union is recognized, the staff would be able to sit down with rules and bargain a contract. The staff would still not be civil servants. Any protections or changes to their rights would have to be bargained for and mutually agreed upon between staff & rules.
Unions decide what to bargain for by engaging their members and creating a bargaining team with the membership’s priorities. It is impossible & inappropriate to pre-suppose what those priorities would be.
There is no requirement that Democratic and Republican offices would have the same budget. Allocation of budgets is a management decision. Conversely, I’ve never seen a CBA that allowed workers to receive different pay for the same job based on political party.
Any decisions at the bargaining table would have to be ratified by a majority of the unit. It’s a democratic process that requires member engagement. Trust staff. I’m fairly certain a majority of them want to do what’s right across the board, and not blow up the system.
The legislature is not a special workplace. Workers face the same challenges in the building as they do in other workplaces: low pay, sexual harassment, disrespect. The power dynamic actually makes the need for them to have a voice even greater than in many places.
It’s time to do the right thing in California and allow the folks who make that Capitol building run decide for themselves if they want a union. #RespectStaff #TrustStaff
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