Existing law declares the public policy of the state regarding labor organization, including, among other things, that it is necessary for a worker to have full freedom of association, self-organization, and designation of representatives of their own choosing, to negotiate the terms and conditions of their employment, and to be free from the interference, restraint, or coercion of employers of labor, or their agents, in the designation of such representatives or in self-organization or in other concerted activities for the purpose of collective bargaining or other mutual aid or protection.
Existing law establishes the Public Employment Relations Board (PERB) in state government as a means of resolving disputes and enforcing the statutory duties and rights of specified public employers and employees under various acts regulating collective bargaining. Under existing law, PERB has the power and duty to investigate an unfair practice charge and to determine whether the charge is justified and the appropriate remedy for the unfair practice.
This bill would expand PERB's jurisdiction by authorizing a worker, as defined, to petition PERB to vindicate prescribed rights, as specified. The bill would specify who is an authorized worker, including an individual who petitions the National Labor Relations Board to vindicate their rights to full freedom of association, self-organization, or designation of representatives of their own choosing but has not received a determination or remedy within specified statutory timeframes. The bill would authorize PERB to, among other things, decide unfair labor practice cases, as specified, and order all appropriate relief for a violation, including civil penalties. The bill would establish the Public Employment Relations Board Enforcement Fund (fund) in the State Treasury, require the above-described civil penalties to be deposited into the fund, and would make moneys in the fund available upon appropriation by the Legislature for PERB to fund increased workload. The bill would make related findings and declarations and make its provisions severable.

Statutes affected:
AB 288: 3558 GOV
01/22/25 - Introduced: 3558 GOV
03/24/25 - Amended Assembly: 3558 GOV