Reaffirming the Importance of Unionization

It’s important for the State Legislature and Governor to be active participants in dialogue with public and private employees across California to talk about how to protect good union jobs, ensure retirement security and make sure workers have dignity on the job. As union coverage has declined across America, and the voice of workers has correspondingly diminished, many of the key workplace standards past generations counted on have been eroded. From attacks on pensions to suppressing the right to collectively bargain, the assault on workers rights’ is a testament to the need for an increase in public affairs from our union brothers and sisters. Our AFSCME leaders in California have engaged with elected officials and, as a result, California has emerged as 1 of 2 states making significant policy achievements for union workers.

When AFSCME members engage in the political process through advocacy, we become stronger and amplify our message across California. This year, AFSCME worked tirelessly through the legislative and budgetary processes to ensure our workers know their right to join a union.

Co-sponsored by affilates AFSCME Council 36 and AFSCME Local 206 Union of American Physicians and Dentists, AB 1603 would revise the definition of “public employee” to also include persons jointly employed by a public agency and any other employer at specified clinics and hospitals. In addition, it would specify that the appropriate bargaining unit includes a unit that consists of, or includes, jointly employed public employees. In doing so, AB 1603 is an important step forward in ensuring this vulnerable class of workers has the same rights and protections as their colleagues.