Bill H.173 proposes to grant employees at public institutions of higher education in Vermont, specifically the Vermont State Colleges and the University of Vermont, the right to strike. The bill amends existing laws regarding employee rights and duties, specifically 3 V.S.A. § 903 and § 962. Notably, it removes the prohibition against state employees striking or recognizing a picket line while performing their official duties, explicitly stating that this prohibition does not apply to employees of the aforementioned educational institutions.

Additionally, the bill modifies the definition of unfair labor practices by allowing employee organizations to encourage individuals employed by the Vermont State Colleges or the University of Vermont to engage in strikes, which was previously considered an unfair labor practice. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 3-903, 3-962