The bill's provisions are designed to have a far-reaching effect on how salary increases and cost adjustments are managed for state officers and employees. By formalizing appropriations for these cost items, SB672 contributes to the financial planning necessary for state departments to maintain effective personnel management. Moreover, it addresses personnel whose compensation comes from varied funding sources, ensuring that all adjustments to salaries will be proportionately funded by the relevant funds, which could stabilize public employment finances.
Summary
Senate Bill 672 (SB672) aims to address public employment cost items in Hawaii, particularly focusing on collective bargaining for state employees in bargaining unit (10). The bill specifies appropriations or authorizations from various funding sources for the fiscal biennium of 2021-2023. It targets collective bargaining cost items, ensuring that appropriate funding is allocated for salary adjustments and related costs negotiated with the exclusive representatives of affected employees. The inclusion of the Department of Education indicates an intention to extend these negotiations to educational personnel as well.
Contention
While the bill appears primarily focused on administrative and fiscal measures to support public employment costs, it may not be without contention. Potential points of disagreement could arise in discussions surrounding the appropriations, particularly if there is concern about the adequacy of funding, or if stakeholders feel that certain employee groups are disproportionately favored or neglected in the salary negotiation process. Additionally, as it involves state officers who are excluded from collective bargaining, the implications for their salary and adjustments could spark debates regarding equity and fairness within state employment policies.