Bill > H5187

This bill expands the definition of "employee" and modifies how the state's labor relations board operates to enhance worker protections and enforcement of labor rights. The bill broadens the definition of employees to include students performing services like teaching or research assistantships, and clarifies that "right of control" involves determining employment terms such as wages, benefits, work hours, and working conditions. It establishes a more comprehensive process for handling unfair labor practice charges, including requiring investigators to meet with parties, attempt settlement, and make recommendations to the board. The bill introduces new enforcement mechanisms, such as the ability to issue civil penalties of up to $1,000 per affected bargaining unit member (not exceeding $100,000 total) for employers found to have committed unfair labor practices, with penalties determined by factors like the employer's budget and violation severity. Additionally, the bill allows for electronic filing of labor-related documents, provides for potential injunctive relief, and enables the board to award attorneys' fees and costs to prevailing parties. These changes aim to strengthen labor protections, particularly for workers not already covered by the National Labor Relations Board, and to create a more robust framework for resolving workplace disputes.

Labor and Employment

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