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Heated testimony as committee hears sweeping proposal to let public employees bargain individually
Summary
House Bill 1704 would let public employees (except law enforcement, firefighters, EMTs and corrections) negotiate individually with public employers instead of only through certified bargaining units. Unions, municipal associations and mayors warned it would fragment bargaining, increase administrative costs, risk pay inequities and raise taxes; proponents said it restores choice and could aid recruitment.
Representative Brian Lebree introduced House Bill 1704, the "Public Employee Choice Act," giving public employees the option to bargain individually with a public employer rather than being bound only by an exclusive collective bargaining unit. The bill contains a carve‑out exempting police, firefighters, EMTs and correctional officers.
Proponents argued the change would expand employee choice and help public employers recruit in a tight labor market. "This bill keeps unions 100% intact for any employee who wishes to remain under a…
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