Committee advances bill letting public employees negotiate individually amid sharp debate

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 employers.” Representative Granger argued a refusal to negotiate is itself a bargaining position and pushed back on the idea that the bill would force employers to accept any deals.

Opponents — including multiple lawmakers with collective‑bargaining experience and union representatives — warned the bill would undermine exclusive representation, fragment bargaining and saddle cities and towns with administrative costs. Representative Sullivan, drawing on decades of bargaining experience, called the proposal “entirely unworkable” and said it was designed to weaken unions. Several municipal officials and the municipal association raised cost and administrative concerns, saying individual bargaining would multiply negotiations and increase payroll unpredictability.

Committee members also raised First Amendment and criminalization questions about a provision in the draft that labels certain picketing and coercive conduct unlawful and subject to misdemeanor penalties; opponents urged removal or clarification. The committee moved HB1704 forward on the majority report; sponsors said they will continue to refine language.

What’s next: HB1704 will be reported out of committee and scheduled for House consideration, where debate is likely to continue.