Relating To Collective Bargaining.
If enacted, SB1614 will not diminish the rights, benefits, or privileges enjoyed by adult corrections officers as they transition to the new bargaining unit. This aspect is significant because it preserves employees' existing collective bargaining agreements until a new agreement is negotiated. The bill also assures continuity of service, meaning that there will be no breaks in service for the affected employees during this transition. It reinforces the legal grounding for employee rights and aims to enhance the negotiation framework for labor agreements related to corrections officers.
SB1614, introduced in Hawaii's 32nd Legislature, focuses on the collective bargaining rights of adult corrections officers. The bill proposes the establishment of a separate bargaining unit (16) specifically for adult corrections officers who are currently part of the Department of Public Safety's Corrections Division or any successor agency. This change is aimed at ensuring these officers are represented effectively and their roles are recognized separately from other institutional, health, and correctional workers. The bill seeks to amend existing provisions under Hawaii Revised Statutes, particularly in section 89-6, relating to the delineation of bargaining units for public employees.
Notably, while the bill appears to strengthen protections and rights for adult corrections officers, it may also raise concerns among other groups regarding the separation of bargaining units. By creating a distinct unit, there might be debates over the representation and negotiation power within the larger context of public service and corrections. The details of the negotiations within this new unit will be crucial, as they could set precedents for future discussions about labor representation in the state. Ultimately, the discussions surrounding SB1614 will likely touch upon broader implications for labor rights in public safety and corrections sectors.