New Law Expands Union Protections for Temporary Employees
We are excited to inform our members about a significant legislative victory that will expand our union’s strength and reach, ensuring better protection for temporary employees within the City of San Jose. The recently passed AB 1484 mandates crucial changes to public sector employment that will positively impact our temporary colleagues, further strengthening our collective bargaining power.
Overview of AB 1484:
AB 1484 is designed to ensure that temporary employees, including those classified as temporary, retiree-rehired, casual, seasonal, periodic, extra-help, relief, limited-term, or per diem, are included in the same bargaining units as their permanent counterparts. This law addresses several key areas:
Inclusion in Bargaining Units: Temporary employees performing similar work to permanent employees will automatically be included in the same bargaining unit, ensuring their inclusion in collective bargaining processes.
Collective Bargaining Requirements: The City must promptly participate in negotiations to establish fair wages, hours, and terms of employment for temporary employees if these are not already covered in the current memorandum of understanding (MOU).
Provision of Employment Information: Upon hire, temporary employees must be provided with their job description, wage rates, eligibility for benefits, anticipated length of employment, and procedures for applying for permanent positions. This information will also be shared with the union.
Expanding Our Union’s Strength and Reach:
This new law significantly enhances our union’s ability to represent and protect all employees within the City of San Jose. By including temporary employees in our bargaining units, we are expanding our collective strength and ensuring that all workers receive fair treatment and proper compensation. This expansion underscores the importance of unity and solidarity in our ongoing struggle for workers' rights.
Our Commitment to Temporary Employees:
We are committed to fighting for the rights of temporary employees as part of our broader struggle for fair wages, benefits, and working conditions. The City’s plan to grant the upcoming 4% wage increase only to certain temp employees, while excluding other temporary employees, highlights the necessity of our efforts. We have already sent a letter to the City demanding that they enter into collective bargaining to address the wages and conditions for all temporary workers.
Call to Action:
We call on all our members to support this critical initiative. Temporary employees now have the opportunity to join our union and receive the benefits of union membership. Their involvement is vital to ensuring successful negotiations and securing better wages, benefits, and working conditions for all.
Together, we can make a difference. We encourage all members to stay informed, get involved, and support our efforts to protect every worker within the City of San Jose.
In Solidarity,
Nicholas Rovetto
President, Municipal Employees Federation
City Employee, Code Enforcement Officer
