Connecticut Senate Bill SB00232

Connecticut 2020 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/20/20
• Refer: 2/20/20

Caption

An Act Establishing Collective Bargaining Rights For Certain Agricultural Workers.

Impact

The introduction of SB00232 is expected to significantly influence state laws regarding labor relations, particularly for the agricultural industry. The bill will amend existing statutes to expand the definition of 'employee' and 'employer' concerning agricultural work, thereby bringing a subset of agricultural workers under the scope of collective bargaining laws. This is a critical change aimed at empowering agricultural workers historically deprived of union representation and bargaining power, which could enhance their working conditions and wage structures.

Summary

SB00232, titled 'An Act Establishing Collective Bargaining Rights For Certain Agricultural Workers,' aims to implement collective bargaining rights specifically for agricultural employees. This legislation establishes a legal framework to formalize labor relations between agricultural workers and their employers, allowing workers the ability to organize and negotiate terms of employment collectively. The bill outlines the functions and authority of an Agricultural Employment Relations Board, which will manage disputes and enforce collective agreements in the sector.

Contention

While the bill seeks to improve conditions for agricultural workers, it has faced some opposition. Opponents express concerns that expanding collective bargaining rights to agricultural workers may lead to increased operational costs for farmers, which might be passed on to consumers. Additionally, there are worries about the bill imposing undue regulatory burdens on small agricultural businesses that traditionally rely on flexible labor arrangements. These points of contention highlight a divide between the push for worker rights and the economic realities faced by agricultural employers, sparking debates on the balance between these interests.