So, what were yesterday's changes to SB 5?
This bill is far more than just "budget items," isn't it?
House Republicans made a number of changes yesterday to Senate Bill 5, which would weaken collective-bargaining power for public workers. A House vote on the bill is expected today. Among the changes:
Reduces the threshold for what is necessary to decertify a union from a majority of workers to 30 percent.
Prohibits contracts from requiring that workers who do not want to join the union must pay "fair share" dues.
No longer allows an employer to do a payroll deduction for money the worker wants to give to the union's political-action committee.
Makes it less likely that a worker who strikes illegally would be subject to jail time.
Clarifies that safety forces, nurses and others can bargain for equipment. Staffing levels would be under management control.
Eliminates the bill's current prohibition against employees speaking to public officials during negotiations.
Specifies that traffic-ticket quotas cannot be part of merit reviews for law-enforcement officers.
Seeks to ensure the bill does not negatively impact death benefits for family members of those killed in the line of duty. Democrats say the bill does not go far enough.
Imposes new caps on the amount of unused vacation time that can be paid out.
Allows local governments to sidestep a contract vote to resolve an impasse. If no vote is taken, the employer's last offer is implemented.
Prohibits bargaining for items that restrict employers' ability to purchase products or services from educational service centers.
Requires the Department of Administrative Services to adopt a merit-pay system that applies to most public workers except teachers, whose evaluation will be developed by the Department of Education and local school boards.
No longer allows changes in supervisor compensation to be tied automatically to union contract changes.
Source: Legislative Service Commission
posted by Kathie Bracy at 8:15 AM
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