Vermont House Bill H0858

Vermont 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/14/24
• Refer: 2/14/24

Caption

An act relating to permitting Assistant Attorneys General to collectively bargain

Impact

The enactment of H0858 would modify existing state laws regarding labor relations, particularly the State Employees Labor Relations Act. By including Assistant Attorneys General under this framework, it acknowledges their status as pivotal contributors to the state's legal system while expanding their rights in the workplace. This change could significantly enhance workplace conditions, compensation, and overall job security for Assistant Attorneys General, aligning their employment terms more closely with those of other state employees who have benefited from collective bargaining.

Summary

House Bill 0858 proposes to designate Assistant Attorneys General as state employees eligible for collective bargaining under the State Employees Labor Relations Act. This significant change aims to provide Assistant Attorneys General the opportunity to join or form appropriate bargaining units, thereby allowing them to engage in collective negotiations regarding their employment conditions. The bill emphasizes the role of these legal professionals within the state's public sector and seeks to elevate their rights in alignment with other state employees who are already entitled to similar protections and bargaining capabilities.

Contention

While proponents of H0858 view it as a necessary update that provides equitable treatment for legal professionals serving the state, potential opposition may arise concerning concerns about unionization within public sectors and the associated implications for state budgetary constraints. Critics might argue that expanding collective bargaining rights could lead to increased expenditure on legal services or create obstacles in the hiring process of such roles. The discussions surrounding this bill will likely center on balancing the rights of public employees with the operational efficiency of state services.