Iowa Senate Bill SF2374

Iowa 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/15/24

Caption

A bill for an act relating to retention and recertification elections for public employee collective bargaining units and including applicability provisions.(Formerly SSB 3158.)

Impact

The bill significantly impacts current practices by ensuring that if a public employer fails to provide the necessary employee list within a specified timeframe, the PERB can decertify the representative. This centralization of authority within the PERB seeks to enforce compliance among public employers and create a more organized election process for public employees wishing to retain their bargaining representatives. This legislative change could potentially elevate the stakes for public employers who may otherwise delay or withhold compliance.

Summary

Senate File 2374, introduced by the Committee on Workforce, relates to the processes involved in retention and recertification elections for public employee collective bargaining units. The bill aims to streamline the procedures for conducting these elections and establishes strict timelines for public employers to submit lists of employees eligible to vote. In doing so, SF2374 provides clarity regarding the responsibilities of both public employers and the Public Employment Relations Board (PERB) in relation to these elections.

Contention

Notably, potential points of contention include concerns raised about the implications of rapid decertification for employee representation, especially if public employers do not adhere to the timelines. Critics may argue that such measures could lead to instability in employee representation and disrupt established bargaining relationships. Proponents, on the other hand, may contend that the bill provides necessary accountability and structure to the retention election process, thus promoting fair representation for public employees.