The bill amends the Labor Relations Act to establish guidelines for employee representation in collective bargaining. It introduces a new section, 28-7-14, which designates representatives selected by a majority of employees in an appropriate unit as exclusive representatives for collective bargaining purposes. Employees not represented by a labor organization may indicate their desire for representation by demonstrating majority support through either filing signed cards from at least 30% of the unit requesting an election or from over 50% waiving the election. If the board receives cards requesting exclusive representation from at least 50% of the appropriate unit, it shall certify the unit. The bill also mandates that no agent of the state or public agency shall encourage or discourage employees from exercising their rights under this section, and all management or administrative personnel must remain neutral.

Additionally, the bill amends Section 36-11-2 to prohibit discrimination against employees based on their membership in labor organizations. It requires that a representative of the labor organization be allowed at least 30 minutes to meet with all newly hired bargaining unit employees for orientation, during which non-union personnel must be absent. If no new hire orientation exists, the employer must provide coverage for new employees to attend an orientation in person, scheduled by mutual agreement between the employer and the labor organization. The act will take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
2924: 28-7-14, 36-11-2