Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HB344

Introduced
3/13/23  

Caption

In representation, further providing for election requests, consent to election, notice and pre-election hearings and for appropriateness of unit; in scope of bargaining, repealing provisions relating to first level supervisors; in collective bargaining impasse, further providing for commencement of mediation and for continuation of mediation and fact-finding panels; and repealing provisions relating to picketing.

Impact

The impact of HB 344 could be significant on state laws affecting public sector labor relations. By establishing clearer protocols for conducting elections for union representation and modifying mediation procedures during collective bargaining impasses, the bill aims to streamline negotiations and improve the efficiency of labor relations in the state. The repeal of certain provisions regarding first-level supervisors specifically indicates a move towards unifying supervisory roles in the bargaining process, which could enhance the bargaining capabilities of employees represented by unions.

Summary

House Bill 344 addresses important procedural elements related to elections and collective bargaining within the public sector framework. The bill seeks to enhance the structure of election request processes and outlines required consents and notifications for pre-election hearings. Furthermore, it introduces amendments pertaining to collective bargaining that would repeal existing provisions associated with first-level supervisors, thereby potentially altering the landscape of labor negotiations in the state. These changes signify a shift in how election and bargaining procedures are handled, particularly in public employment contexts.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 344 appears moderately supportive, with advocates emphasizing its potential to clarify and enhance the electoral and bargaining processes for public sector employees. Supporters argue that the changes could foster more favorable outcomes during negotiations by providing structured guidelines for disputes and communication. However, as with any significant legislative change, there are pockets of dissent among groups concerned about the implications of altering traditional supervisory roles within labor negotiations, which may lead to a reassessment of employee representation and protections.

Contention

A notable point of contention stems from the proposed repeal of provisions related to first-level supervisors. Critics argue that this could dilute the representation of employees who may have unique needs in the bargaining context. Additionally, the potential for increased mediation activities may raise questions concerning the pace and transparency of the negotiation process. As stakeholders assess the ramifications of these legislative changes, discussions will likely focus on balancing efficiency with adequate representation and rights for all parties involved in the bargaining process.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA HB861

Further providing for definitions; providing for notice and regulations; further providing for unfair labor practices and for representatives and elections; providing for initial collective bargaining agreement; and further providing for prevention of unfair labor practices and for penalties.

PA HB1029

Further providing for definitions; providing for notice and regulations; further providing for unfair labor practices and for representatives and elections; providing for initial collective bargaining agreement; further providing for prevention of unfair labor practices and for penalties; and imposing penalties.

PA SB761

In school finances, further providing for fiscal year relating to first class school district and for fiscal year relating to second, third and fourth class school districts; and, in collective bargaining, further providing for submission to mediation and for fact-finding panels.

PA SB518

In school finances, further providing for fiscal year relating to first class school district and for fiscal year relating to second, third and fourth class school districts; and, in collective bargaining, further providing for submission to mediation and for fact-finding panels.

PA HB735

Relative to elections in collective bargaining.

PA HB834

In employee rights, providing for conditions of collective bargaining agreement; and, in scope of bargaining, further providing for maintenance of membership.

PA HB1120

In intestate succession, further providing for forfeiture; in elective share of surviving spouse, further providing for right of election and resident decedent; in wills, further providing for modification by circumstances; in estates, further providing for modification by divorce or pending divorce and for effect of divorce or pending divorce on designation of beneficiaries; in preliminary provisions, further providing for legislative findings and intent, for definitions and for premarital agreements; in dissolution of marital status, further providing for grounds for divorce, repealing provisions relating to counseling, further providing for grounds for annulment of voidable marriages, repealing provisions relating to defenses, to action where defendant suffering from mental disorder and to general appearance and collusion, providing for general order of divorce proceedings, repealing provisions relating to jury trial, further providing for decree of court and repealing provisions relating to limitations on attacks upon decrees and to opening or vacating decrees; in alimony and support, further providing for bar to alimony; and, in mediation, further providing for mediation programs.

PA HB2303

In preliminary provisions relating to divorce, further providing for legislative findings and intent, for definitions, for bases of jurisdiction, for effect of agreement between parties and for premarital agreements; in dissolution of marital status, further providing for grounds for divorce, repealing provisions relating to counseling, further providing for grounds for annulment of voidable marriages, repealing provisions relating to defenses, to action where defendant suffering from mental disorder and to general appearance and collusion, further providing for hearing by master, providing for general order of divorce proceedings, repealing provisions relating to jury trial, further providing for decree of court and repealing provisions relating to opening or vacating decrees; in property rights, further providing for definitions and for disposition of property to defeat obligations; in alimony and support, further providing for alimony and repealing provisions relating to bar to alimony; and repealing provisions relating to mediation.

PA HB263

In definitions, further providing for the definition of "maintenance of membership"; in employee rights, further providing for lawful activities and providing for rights and privileges and for civil actions; and, in scope of bargaining, further providing for proper subjects of bargaining.

PA HB704

Providing for early in-person voting in elections; in voting by qualified absentee electors, further providing for canvassing of official absentee ballots and mail-in ballots; and, in Election Integrity Grant Program, further providing for funding for elections.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.