California Senate Passes Groundbreaking AB 288 to Protect Workers' Rights
Editorial StaffThe Facts -
- AB 288 aims to empower CA workers against corporate labor violations.
- The bill allows CA to enforce union rights when the NLRB is inactive.
- AB 288 awaits Gov. Newsom's signature after passing the state Senate.
California's AB 288: A Potential Lifeline for Workers' Rights
Contact: Matt McQuaid Phone: (771) 241-0015 Email: mmcquaid@teamster.org
(SACRAMENTO, Calif.) – With the recent approval from the California Senate, Assembly Bill 288 (AB 288) is now one step closer to becoming law. Teamsters California and the California Federation of Labor Unions are rallying for Governor Gavin Newsom's endorsement of this bill, deemed as crucial labor legislation since the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) of 1935.
Authored by Assemblymember Tina McKinnor (D-Inglewood), AB 288 seeks to bolster California's role in safeguarding workers' rights to unionize, particularly in scenarios where the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) may falter or workers lose protections under the NLRA.
Lorena Gonzalez, President of the California Federation of Labor Unions, remarked, “The passage of AB 288 represents one of the most significant labor law reforms in history. Ninety years after the passage of the National Labor Relations Act, corporate lawbreaking and federal inaction have made it almost impossible for workers to exercise their constitutional right to form a union because corporations know there will be no consequences if they refuse to recognize or bargain with the union.”
Peter Finn, Co-Chair of Teamsters California, added, “AB 288 is a game-changer for workers in California, and it’s incumbent on Gavin Newsom to sign it into law as quickly as possible. More than 70 percent of workers want to be in a union, but Big Tech corporatists like Jeff Bezos are flouting federal law and trampling workers’ organizing rights.”
The motivation for AB 288 gains momentum amidst efforts by billionaires like Jeff Bezos, Elon Musk, and Howard Schultz to challenge the constitutionality of the NLRB.
An Amazon employee, Vanessa Valdez, emphasized the urgency of the bill, stating, “Amazon respects neither its employees nor federal law and that’s all the proof we need that it’s more urgent than ever to pass AB 288.”
Chris Griswold, Co-Chair of Teamsters California, underscored the issue of delayed justice for workers, “Gigantic multinational corporations routinely retaliate against workers for exercising their federal rights. Even when the labor board issues a favorable decision, it can take years before it’s even issued. Lawmakers have a responsibility to protect working people whenever their rights are violated.”
The bill will return to the State Assembly for final approval before heading to the governor for signing. Teamsters California represents 250,000 workers who are integral to the state's economy. More information can be found at teamstersca.org.
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