Category: Legislation

<!-- Decorative image --> AB 237: Mandates Health Insurance for Striking Employees.
AB 237: Mandates Health Insurance for Striking Employees.

Governor Signs AB 237: Mandates Continuation of Health Insurance for Striking Employees

On October 9, 2021, the Governor signed AB 237 which makes it an unfair practice for an employer to discontinue its health insurance premium contribution for a striking employee. AB 237 covers any "authorized strike" which is defined as a strike sanctioned by the relevant central labor council or the membership of the union representing the striking employees. So a wildcat strike is not covered. Where there is a sanctioned strike, AB 237 requires the employer to treat the striking employees as if they are working for purposes of any contributions towards health care or other medical coverage. Comments: As…

Read More
<!-- Decorative image --> Proposed Initiative Would Bar Public Sector Collective Bargaining
Proposed Initiative Would Bar Public Sector Collective Bargaining

Proposed Initiative Would Bar Public Sector Collective Bargaining

Tim Draper, a venture capitalist, has submitted a ballot initiative that would prohibit collective bargaining for public sector employees in California. Specifically, the initiative would amend the California Constitution to provide that: Notwithstanding any other provision of law, neither the State nor any of its political subdivisions shall contract with a public employee labor organization or otherwise collectively bargain with a public employee labor organization on employer-employee relation matters According to a post from Draper, "Union bosses donate to politicians. Politicians set union salaries and benefits. This can lead to favoritism, or even corruption. Government unions are anathema to being…

Read More
<!-- Decorative image -->

SB 270 Advances to Assembly; Provides for Fee Award to PERB

Shutterstock 530369062

SB 270 was introduced by Senator Durazo on January 28, 2021. As I previously wrote, SB 270 allows a union to file a special unfair practice charge when an employer provides inaccurate employee contact information. The bill provides that if PERB finds a violation, it “shall” impose a penalty on the employer not to exceed $10,000. SB 270 also provides for an award of attorneys’ fees and costs to the prevailing party if the case goes to a formal hearing before an Administrative Law Judge.

Read More
<!-- Decorative image -->

SB 270: New Attempt at Imposing Monetary Penalties for Violation of PECC

Shutterstock 530369062

SB 270 was introduced by Senator Durazo on January 28, 2021. Senator Durazo introduced a nearly identical bill, SB 1173, in the last legislative session. SB 1173 initially passed the Senate, and then passed the Assembly with amendments. However, the Senate was unable to concur in the Assembly amendments before the legislative session ended. The language of SB 1173 is now in SB 270.

Read More
<!-- Decorative image -->

AB 237: Mandates Health Insurance for Striking Employees.

Shutterstock 1100695499

AB 237 was introduced on January 13, 2021, by Assembly Member Gray. This bill would create a new chapter in the Government Code, the “Public Employee Health Protection Act.” AB 237 would require an employer to continue paying its portion of an employee’s health insurance premium during the pendency of any strike. According to the language of the bill, “It is a matter of statewide concern that access to health and other medical care continue and that employers not suspend coverage or their contributions towards premiums for workers or their dependent family members during a strike.”

Read More