SB 621 prohibits Pennsylvania businesses from deducting taxes for expenses related to opposing unionization efforts. It specifically blocks deductions for costs tied to National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) complaints, anti-union meetings with employees, or labor law violations. The law applies to corporations and business entities operating in Pennsylvania, including foreign companies. Exceptions allow deductions for legitimate communications with union representatives or shareholders. This changes tax treatment for anti-union activities without altering labor law.
HB 854 requires school board members to recuse themselves from voting on collective bargaining agreements if their spouse, romantic partner, or household member is part of the bargaining unit covered by that agreement. The bill amends Pennsylvania's Public School Code to establish this conflict-of-interest rule, directly affecting school board members during contract negotiations. Key provisions mandate automatic recusal for board members with personal ties to the employees covered by the agreement being voted on. The rule takes effect 60 days after enactment, aiming to prevent potential bias in negotiations.
SB 710 amends Pennsylvania's Public Employe Relations Act. This bill directly affects public employers and their employees who are participating in a strike. Its key provision prohibits public employers from discontinuing health care benefits for public employees during the period they are engaged in a strike. This change ensures the continuation of health coverage for public sector workers during labor disputes.
HB 1255 proposes a constitutional amendment to Pennsylvania's Constitution, adding Section 30 to guarantee employees the right to organize, bargain collectively over wages and working conditions, and protect workplace safety. It specifically prohibits laws that interfere with these rights, including bans on union membership as a condition of employment. The amendment must pass both legislative chambers and then be approved by Pennsylvania voters at the next qualifying election. This would establish a constitutional right affecting all Pennsylvania workers and employers, not just current labor laws.
SB 757 requires public employers in Pennsylvania to publicly post proposed collective bargaining agreements, including cost estimates, on their websites for at least two weeks before signing. It mandates that these agreements become public records accessible online within 48 hours of receipt. The law applies to most public employees (excluding elected officials, management staff, and police/fire unions under separate law) and makes agreements unenforceable if proper notice isn't provided. This aims to increase transparency around public sector pay, benefits, and working conditions.
This bill amends Pennsylvania's unemployment compensation law to clarify eligibility rules. It adds a 30-day benefit exclusion for claimants unemployed due to labor disputes (excluding lockouts), and clarifies that workers who leave jobs due to company union requirements, unfair labor conditions, or military spouse relocation needs remain eligible. The law also defines "suitable employment" as work requiring comparable skills and paying at least 80% of prior wages. These changes directly affect workers filing for unemployment benefits and employers processing claims. The bill takes effect immediately upon enactment.
SB 828 creates a program that reimburses Pennsylvania local governments (like cities, counties, and school districts) for up to 20% of the cost of purchasing "union-made" vehicles. A vehicle is "union-made" if it was assembled in the U.S. at a facility operating under a collective bargaining agreement. The program, administered by the Department of Community and Economic Development, uses a state fund financed by state appropriations and other sources, with grants awarded on a first-come, first-served basis until funds run out. Local governments must apply for reimbursement and provide proof the vehicles meet the "union-made" definition.
SB 651 is a joint resolution proposing an amendment to the Pennsylvania Constitution to establish "Workers' rights." This amendment would grant employees the fundamental right to organize and collectively bargain through representatives of their choice regarding wages, hours, working conditions, and workplace safety. It specifies that no law can diminish these rights, including those that prohibit agreements requiring union membership as a condition of employment. If passed by the General Assembly twice, this proposed amendment would then be put before Pennsylvania voters for approval.
SB 588 establishes a new Prevailing Wage Co-Enforcement Program within Pennsylvania's Department of Labor and Industry. The program authorizes trained volunteers (called "program participants") to monitor public construction projects for violations of the existing Pennsylvania Prevailing Wage Act, which requires contractors to pay local prevailing wages. Key mechanisms include volunteers conducting site visits, interviewing workers, and reporting violations to the Department under strict guidelines (e.g., wearing ID badges, submitting reports within 48 hours, and avoiding union-related activities). This directly affects public construction workers, contractors working on public projects, and the Department of Labor, which oversees the program. The bill does not change prevailing wage rates but creates a new enforcement tool for the Department.
HB 1029 amends Pennsylvania's 1937 Labor Relations Act to clarify worker protections and union election processes. It defines "employe" more broadly (excluding independent contractors) and bans agreements that prevent workers from joining class or collective lawsuits. Employers must post notices about labor rights and provide detailed voter lists for union elections within two business days of a board order. The bill also adds new unfair labor practices, including coercing workers to sign agreements that limit their right to pursue collective claims. These changes directly affect Pennsylvania workers, employers, and labor organizations involved in union representation efforts.
