Strengthening Worker Rights: New Rules for Organizing, Strikes, and Penalties
The Act amends definitions of employer and employee, broadening the criteria for employment classification. It prohibits employers from permanently replacing employees participating in a strike and introduces new arbitration procedures for establishing initial collective bargaining agreements. Additionally, the Act establishes civil penalties for unfair labor practices and permits agreements requiring employees to contribute fees to a labor organization.
Key points
Ban on Permanent Striker Replacement: Employers are prohibited from permanently replacing employees participating in a strike or discriminating against them upon return.
Penalties and Damages: Introduces civil penalties of up to $50,000 (or $100,000 for repeat violations) and allows for liquidated damages equal to two times the amount of damages awarded to employees.
First Contract Arbitration: If negotiations for an initial collective bargaining agreement fail within a set timeframe, the dispute may be resolved by a tripartite arbitration panel, with the decision binding for 2 years.
Limits on Mandatory Meetings: Employers cannot require or coerce employees to attend employer campaign activities unrelated to their job duties.
Fair Share Agreements: Collective bargaining agreements may require employees to contribute fees to a labor organization as a condition of employment, notwithstanding State law.
Introduced
Citizen Poll