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Committee advances bill requiring 120-day notice before contracting out bargaining-unit work
Summary
AB 339 would require local governments to notify unions 120 days before issuing an RFP/RFQ to contract out bargaining-unit work; sponsors say it enforces existing obligations, local governments say it would undermine flexibility and create burdens.
AB 339, a measure that would require local governments to provide affected employee unions with 120 days' notice before initiating a procurement to contract out bargaining-unit work, was advanced by the Assembly Committee on Public Employment and Retirement.
Presenters and union advocates told the committee the bill implements existing obligations under the Meyers-Milias-Brown Act (MMBA) by establishing a reasonable notice period to give meaningful time for meet-and-confer bargaining. Bryant Miramontes of AFSCME said the lack of notice has made bargaining "largely symbolic," with workers sometimes learning that contracting decisions are "foregone conclusions" once contracts have been drafted and vendors selected.
Sandra Barreiro of SEIU California said the bill "does not stop contracting out" but aims to ensure employers engage unions early so alternatives can be considered. Union witnesses provided examples of agencies failing to notify unions when contracting out bargaining-unit work.
Local-government witnesses, including Anil Camelo (city manager, St. Helena), Jean Hurst (Urban Counties of California), and representatives from the League of California Cities and other county and city associations, opposed the bill or asked for changes. They argued the measure could undermine operational efficiency, broaden the scope of bargaining beyond current MMBA obligations, and impose practical costs and delays. Hurst said existing law already provides remedies through unfair labor practice charges and that AB 339 could subvert settled bargaining principles and exceptions.
Assemblymember Bart (surname in transcript: Pointer) offered a comment of support, describing efficient governments as those that "meet and confer" and urged advancement. The bill was moved, seconded, recorded as passed in committee, and referred to the Committee on Appropriations. Committee leadership placed the bill on hold for add-ons.
