CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE—
2017–2018 REGULAR SESSION
Assembly Concurrent Resolution
No. 185
Introduced by Assembly Member Gipson
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February 26, 2018 |
Relative to unions.
LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST
ACR 185, as introduced, Gipson.
Unions.
This measure would declare that the Legislature recognizes unions and their efforts to represent workers across all industries, to educate and encourage full participation of member employees in society, and to strengthen the labor movement as a fundamental element of a healthy democracy, and that the Legislature supports the organizing of workers who continue to fight for union rights and recognizes the labor movement as an indispensable voice for working families.
Digest Key
Fiscal Committee:
NO WHEREAS, The labor movement in the United States grew out of the need to protect the common interests of workers. For those in the industrial sector, organized labor unions fought for better wages, reasonable hours, and safer working conditions; and
WHEREAS, The labor movement led efforts to stop child labor, give health benefits, and provide aid to workers who were injured or retired; and
WHEREAS, In areas with high union density, wages are higher overall, as unions help establish standards for fair pay, benefits, and working conditions that would benefit nonunion workers. Nonunion workers in an industry with 25 percent union density had wages 7.5 percent higher because of the union presence; and
WHEREAS, The most famous union remains the American Federation of Labor (AFL), founded in 1886 by Samuel Gompers. At its pinnacle, the AFL had approximately 1.4 million members. The AFL is credited with successfully negotiating wage increases for its members and enhancing workplace safety for all workers; and
WHEREAS, The United States Supreme Court will hear oral arguments on February 26, 2018, for the case Janus v. American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, which could silence the united voice of working people and end a union’s ability to represent its workers properly; and
WHEREAS, Mark Janus is a child support specialist employed by the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services. He has declined membership in the union, as is his constitutional right, but under the Illinois Public Labor Relations Act, he is still is required to pay the union a “fair share fee” as a condition of keeping his job; and
WHEREAS, Over 40 years ago, in Abood v. Detroit Board of Education (97 S.Ct. 1782), the United States Supreme Court ruled that public employees who choose not to join a union can be charged an “agency fee” to cover the cost of negotiating and implementing a collective bargaining agreement; and
WHEREAS, Unionized workers of color experience a larger boost in pay. Latino and African American men who belong to a union earn $264 and $187 more per week than their nonunion counterparts, respectively. Latina, African American, and Asian women who belong to a union all have higher wages than their nonunion counterparts. Specifically, Latina union workers’ median weekly earnings are 31 percent higher than those of nonunion Latina workers; and
WHEREAS, Unions help narrow the gender wage gap. The overall gender wage gap for union members is less than half the size of the wage gap for nonunion workers; and
WHEREAS, Unions were pivotal in helping to lift up African American workers during the civil rights movement. By standing together and fighting for structure and practices to take down anti-African American racism today, we can create an America where everyone, no matter the color of their skin, can participate, prosper, and reach our full potential; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Assembly of the State of California, the Senate thereof concurring, That the Legislature recognizes unions and their tireless efforts to represent workers across all industries, to educate membership and encourage their full participation in society, and to strengthen the labor movement as a fundamental element of a healthy democracy; and be it further
Resolved, That the Assembly supports the organizing of workers who continue to fight for union rights and recognizes the labor movement as an indispensable voice for working families; and be it further
Resolved, That the Chief Clerk of the Assembly transmit copies of this resolution to the author for appropriate distribution.