Hawaii Senate Bill SB1572

Hawaii 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/25/23
• Refer: 1/30/23
• Report Pass: 2/15/23
• Report Pass: 3/2/23
• Refer: 2/15/23
• Engrossed: 3/3/23
• Refer: 3/9/23

Caption

Relating To Collective Bargaining.

Impact

By establishing unit 16 for Honolulu's emergency services employees, SB1572 impacts the collective bargaining dynamics within the state. It delineates clear guidelines for public employers regarding their roles in negotiations, ensuring that the rights and benefits currently enjoyed by these employees are maintained even as they switch units. This strategic move is anticipated to provide these emergency workers a more distinct platform for negotiating their terms of employment, recognizing the unique nature of their job and the specialized training required.

Summary

Senate Bill 1572 introduces significant amendments to Hawaii's collective bargaining framework, specifically targeting the organization of employees into appropriate bargaining units. The main provision of this bill is the creation of a separate bargaining unit for employees of the city and county of Honolulu's emergency services department, transitioning them from an existing category (unit 10) to the new unit 16. This change reflects an effort to enhance the representation and bargaining power of emergency response personnel under the state’s collective bargaining statutes, potentially leading to improved working conditions and benefits for this crucial workforce.

Contention

Notably, the bill's passage indicates a significant shift in legislative thought towards recognizing the unique needs of emergency service personnel who may face different challenges compared to other public employees. While proponents argue that this change allows for better representation and negotiation of essential services roles, some concerns may arise regarding the resources available for bargaining and whether this separation may lead to disparities in treatment or benefits when compared to other public service workers in Hawaii.