Relating To Public Employment Cost Items.
By potentially failing to allocate sufficient funding in state, special, or federal funds, the legislation might lead to stagnation in salary increases for state officers and employees within the mentioned bargaining unit. The bill indicates these salary adjustments are contemplated under the provisions of chapter 89C of the Hawaii Revised Statutes, which governs collective bargaining processes, yet actual implementation hinges on securing appropriate financial resources.
SB1308, known as the Public Employment Cost Items Act, aims to appropriate funding for collective bargaining cost items associated with members of Unit (11) and certain excluded state employees. The bill outlines specific financial allocations for the fiscal biennium 2023-2025, although notably, the sum appropriated appears to be zero across all specified funds. This raises questions about the bill's funding efficacy and the implications for public employment rates and benefits over the duration of the biennium.
The bill's effectiveness may be contested due to the allocation of zero funding, posing challenges in securing enhanced salaries or employment benefits for the affected group. Concerns could arise regarding the ability of the state to meet the financial obligations of collective agreements negotiated with public sector labor representatives. The lack of appropriated funds might invite debate on alternative financing strategies while calling into question the state’s commitment to the wellbeing of its public employees.