Arkansas House Bill HB1024

Arkansas 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 11/20/24
• Refer: 1/13/25
• Failed: 5/5/25

Caption

To Amend The Law Concerning Public Employees; And To Repeal The Law Prohibiting Collective Bargaining.

Impact

If enacted, HB 1024 would significantly alter the landscape of labor relations within the public sector in Arkansas. By removing the prohibition on collective bargaining for public employees, the bill would allow these employees to engage in negotiations with their employers, potentially leading to better wages, job security, and working conditions. Such a shift may empower public workers, who have been historically limited in their ability to advocate for their interests as compared to their private-sector counterparts.

Summary

House Bill 1024 seeks to amend the existing law concerning public employees, specifically targeting laws that prohibit collective bargaining. The bill aims to repeal the provisions under Arkansas Code Title 21 that restrict public employees from bargaining collectively through labor unions or other associations. This legislative change is positioned as an effort to enhance employee rights and facilitate more productive negotiations between public employers and their employees regarding wages and working conditions.

Contention

Debate surrounding HB 1024 is expected to be contentious, as it directly addresses the balance of power between public sector employees and their employers. Proponents of the bill argue that allowing collective bargaining is essential for fair treatment and gives public workers a voice in their employment matters. On the other hand, opponents may express concerns over the implications for public resources, potentially arguing that increased bargaining power could strain state budgets or lead to unsustainable employment contracts.