[US] Governor Newsom signs landmark bill expanding California workers’ rights

On September 30, Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 288, which defends California workers’ rights, including their right to organise, GOV.CA reports.

The bill permits workers to petition the Public Employee Relations Board when the federal National Labor Relations Board fails to fulfil its duties.

Governor Newsom said, “With the federal government not only asleep at the wheel, but driving into incoming traffic, it is more important than ever that states stand up to protect workers and ensure they have a path to defend their right to organise and collectively bargain. California is a proud labour state — and we will continue standing up for the workers that keep our state running and our economy booming.”

The bill’s benefits reportedly include: 

Expanded protections: The bill defends workers’ rights, ensuring that if the National Labor Relations Board doesn’t address an unfair employment issue, PERB can stand in its place.

Stronger support: The bill would create the PERB Enforcement Fund, sustained by civil penalties from employers found in violation of labour laws.

Shielding workers from federal inaction or negligence: As the federal government continues to dismantle worker protections and resources, this new measure will reportedly help ensure that workers continue to have a voice and strong accountability.

Lorena Gonzalez - President of the California Federation of Labor Unions, which represents 1,300 unions with 2.3 million members - said, “We commend Governor Gavin Newsom for standing up for California workers and our fundamental right to collectively bargain.

“This is the most significant labour law reform in nearly a century. California workers will no longer be forced to rely on a failing federal agency when they join together to unionise.”

Source: GOV.CA

(Quotes via original reporting)

On September 30, Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 288, which defends California workers’ rights, including their right to organise, GOV.CA reports.

The bill permits workers to petition the Public Employee Relations Board when the federal National Labor Relations Board fails to fulfil its duties.

Governor Newsom said, “With the federal government not only asleep at the wheel, but driving into incoming traffic, it is more important than ever that states stand up to protect workers and ensure they have a path to defend their right to organise and collectively bargain. California is a proud labour state — and we will continue standing up for the workers that keep our state running and our economy booming.”

The bill’s benefits reportedly include: 

Expanded protections: The bill defends workers’ rights, ensuring that if the National Labor Relations Board doesn’t address an unfair employment issue, PERB can stand in its place.

Stronger support: The bill would create the PERB Enforcement Fund, sustained by civil penalties from employers found in violation of labour laws.

Shielding workers from federal inaction or negligence: As the federal government continues to dismantle worker protections and resources, this new measure will reportedly help ensure that workers continue to have a voice and strong accountability.

Lorena Gonzalez - President of the California Federation of Labor Unions, which represents 1,300 unions with 2.3 million members - said, “We commend Governor Gavin Newsom for standing up for California workers and our fundamental right to collectively bargain.

“This is the most significant labour law reform in nearly a century. California workers will no longer be forced to rely on a failing federal agency when they join together to unionise.”

Source: GOV.CA

(Quotes via original reporting)