After combing through over 3,000 bills that were introduced in January, HGEA’s legislative team has been advocating for priority bills and other good bills that will protect workplace rights and have a positive impact on members. Playing offence is just half the battle, though. We’re also defending against bad bills that weaken workplace benefits and pose a threat to civil service through exempted positions or privatization. Here are a few key battles:
Priority Bill – Repricing: HB1640/SB2449
Historically, employers have stalled HGEA’s repricing efforts by claiming that current salary schedules are appropriate and no negotiation is necessary. This bill would require the employer to engage in repricing negotiation within 30 days of our request. It would also ensure an agreement is reached through arbitration or impasse procedures.
Bill Opposed – Telework: HB1985/SB2598
Requires the Department of Human Resources Development to revise telework polices and set a maximum limit of telework days per week. We were successful in stopping the House bill. The original Senate bill had a two-day weekly limit. Even though it has been revised to an uncertain number of days, HGEA is committed to fighting against legislative overreach in setting telework policies since changes in working conditions should be negotiated with a union.
HGEA is also emphatic that telework is not the problem. It’s a modern workplace benefit crucial to recruitment and retention during a growing government job vacancy crisis.
