AB 339 Stirs the Pot in Sacramento
Local agencies warn of gridlock as labor bill nears final vote. Assembly Bill 339 (Ortega) has reached its final committee hearing in the California Legislature and is drawing strong opposition from local agencies and service providers. Critics argue the bill would make contracting for services unworkable by requiring public agencies to give 60 days’ notice to employee organizations before contracting out work historically performed by union-represented staff and allowing labor agreements to be reopened with each contract. This could severely disrupt essential services and partnerships with nonprofits and local businesses. The California Special Districts Association (CSDA) and over 40 other organizations oppose the bill, calling it “impractical in its execution” and a threat to local service delivery and labor negotiations.
CSDA’s article with more detail is a great resource for more details: CSDA AB 339
To submit a letter of opposition to the Senate Appropriations Committee, use the California Legislature Position Letter Portal at: https://calegislation.lc.ca.gov/Advocates/