Collective bargaining: Legislature.
One key component of AB 2798 is the exclusion of certain legislative matters from the collective bargaining framework. Specifically, the bill explicitly states that the design, construction, and location of legislative facilities will not fall under the scope of representation. This limitation intends to maintain the unique operational integrity of legislative functions while potentially reducing the scope of issues that can be collectively bargained.
Assembly Bill 2798, introduced by Assembly Member Robert Rivas, aims to amend Sections 3599.60 and 3599.71 of the Government Code, specifically in relation to collective bargaining rights for employees of the Legislature. With the bill becoming operative on July 1, 2026, it establishes the right for specified employees to form employee organizations and engage in collective bargaining for employer-employee relations. This legislation reflects a significant shift towards enhancing the rights of legislative staff in negotiations on working conditions and employment terms.
The bill invites discussion regarding the implications of defining the scope of representation narrowly. Proponents argue that it preserves legislative prerogatives and prevents unnecessary interference in the vital operations of the Legislature. Conversely, critics may see it as a limitation on the rights of legislative employees, fearing it undermines their bargaining power concerning essential workplace conditions and environments, particularly in a rapidly evolving labor landscape.