This bill sets federal minimum standards for collective bargaining for public employees. It defines key terms and directs the Federal Labor Relations Authority (the Authority) to decide, for each State, whether State law already provides the listed rights and procedures. If a State does not substantially provide those rights, the Authority will create and enforce rules for public employees in that State after set timeframes. The minimum standards include the right to organize, form or join labor organizations, collective bargaining through chosen representatives, recognition of a majority-chosen representative, written contracts or memoranda of understanding, an interest-impasse resolution process (for example, binding arbitration), payroll deduction of union fees where agreed, and rules against interference with employee rights. The Authority would supervise elections, decide appropriate bargaining units, hear complaints, issue orders, and seek enforcement in federal courts. The bill preserves existing certifications and contracts already in effect, exempts certain narrow situations (for example, small local subdivisions, national guard, and pension bargaining), and prohibits lockouts or strikes that would likely disrupt emergency or public safety services for employees and employers subject to the Authority. The bill also allows judicial review of Authority determinations and includes a private civil action pathway in some cases. The bill authorizes appropriations as needed.
No publicly available information on estimated costs or budgetary effects. The bill includes a provision authorizing such sums as may be necessary to carry out the Act.
No publicly available information.
No publicly available information.