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Committee advances bill letting public employees negotiate individually amid sharp debate
Summary
Lawmakers split 11–9 to advance HB1704, which would allow public employees to bargain individually with public employers; supporters call it worker freedom, opponents say it undermines exclusive union representation and will raise municipal costs.
The House Labor Committee recommended HB1704, a proposal to permit public employees to negotiate individual terms with public employers, by an 11–9 vote after more than two hours of debate.
Proponents described the measure as a restoration of freedom for public sector workers who want to negotiate terms outside collective bargaining. Representative Warner said the bill “strikes a balance between workforce and…
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