Connecticut House Bill HB05334

Connecticut 2017 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/10/17
• Refer: 1/10/17

Caption

An Act Requiring The General Assembly To Vote On All State Employee Collective Bargaining Agreements.

Impact

If passed, HB 05334 would amend existing statutes regarding collective bargaining by obligating the General Assembly to review and either approve or reject any agreements reached between the state and state employee organizations. This requirement for legislative oversight is expected to bring increased scrutiny and could potentially influence negotiations, making them more accountable to the electorate. Advocates argue that this change will ensure that the voices of elected representatives are heard in matters concerning state workers' employment conditions.

Summary

House Bill 05334 mandates that the General Assembly must vote on all collective bargaining agreements made between the state and state employee organizations. The intent of this bill is to enhance governmental transparency by ensuring that legislators are involved in the decision-making process regarding the terms of employment for state workers. This proposed legislation aims to provide a check on the authority of administrative bodies, thus granting the legislative body a clear role in labor negotiations that affect a significant portion of the state workforce.

Contention

There may be significant debate surrounding this bill, particularly regarding the balance of power between the legislature and state administrative bodies responsible for labor negotiations. Proponents of the bill argue that legislative approval will prevent unfair or unbalanced agreements, while opponents may contend that such legislative involvement could hinder negotiations and complicate the bargaining process. The bill raises questions about the nature of collective bargaining in the public sector and the extent to which elected officials should participate in these processes.