Court and Public Employment Relations Board (PERB) decisions, commentary on California public sector labor relations

SB 550 was introduced by Senator Pan (D-Sacramento) on February 16, 2017. SB 550 amends EERA section 3543.8 to add the following: (b) If the employee organization prevails in an action in proving the employer failed to provide wages or benefits required by state law, the employer shall pay the employee organization’s reasonable attorney’s fees and expenses if written notice of intent to seek fees was provided to the employer at least 30 days before the action was instituted Comments: I’m opposed to this bill as it creates an uneven playing field by only allowing the union to recover its…

SB 548 was introduced by Senators Atkins (D-San Diego) and Leyva (D-Chino) on February 16, 2017. SB 548 only applies to firefighters under the MMBA and Dills Act.  But if enacted, this bill would fundamentally change PERB’s role in adjudicating unfair practice charges for this group of employees. First, SB 548 provides that if PERB has not acted on an unfair practice charge within 150 days of filing, any party can request a “right-to-sue” letter allowing the party to bring a civil action in superior court. Second, SB 548 provides that PERB must issue a right-to-sue letter upon completion of…