The bill H.173, introduced by Representatives Casey and Headrick, aims 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 proposed amendments to the State Employees Labor Relations Act include changes to existing legal language regarding the rights and duties of state employees. Notably, the bill removes the prohibition against state employees striking or recognizing a picket line while performing their official duties, specifically exempting employees of the mentioned educational institutions from this restriction.

Additionally, the bill modifies the definition of unfair labor practices to allow 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, if passed.

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