This bill establishes the Faculty Restoration and Equity Fund to require public colleges in the state to: (1) ensure at least 75% of undergraduate courses are taught by full-time faculty, (2) maintain at least 75% full-time support staff in departments, and (3) provide part-time and non-tenure track faculty with pay and benefits equal to full-time faculty. It also amends retirement laws to grant part-time faculty teaching four or more courses yearly full retirement credit, equal pay on a pro-rata basis, and formal processes for assignment priority and tenure-track consideration. The fund prioritizes institutions with high reliance on part-time faculty, and all provisions are subject to collective bargaining. The bill directly affects public higher education institutions and their part-time/non-tenure track faculty.
By Mr. Payano, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1364) of Pavel M. Payano, Vanna Howard, Michael D. Brady, James K. Hawkins and other members of the General Court for legislation to streamline state employee collective bargaining. Labor and Workforce Development.
By Mr. Moore, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1360) of Michael O. Moore for legislation relative to state police officers to collectively bargain their employment terms, including pay, hours, and disciplinary procedure. Labor and Workforce Development.
By Mr. Lewis, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1873) of Jason M. Lewis and James B. Eldridge for legislation relative to collective bargaining rights for employees of the committee for public counsel services. Public Service.
HD 4041 requires the state of Massachusetts to cover the full cost of fringe benefits (including pensions and health insurance) and incremental salary increases from collective bargaining agreements for employees at public universities and colleges. It applies to faculty and staff covered by agreements with the University of Massachusetts or the Board of Higher Education, excluding grant-funded or auxiliary positions. The bill mandates that these institutions must certify each agreement will ensure average salaries for each job category reach at least the national average (adjusted for cost of living) by the contract’s end. This shifts funding responsibility from institutions to the state budget for these specific costs.
HD 2370 creates a legal privilege protecting confidential communications between Massachusetts employees and their labor unions during representation matters. It directly affects employees seeking union assistance, current union members, and union representatives by shielding discussions about organizing, grievances, bargaining, or workplace issues from forced disclosure. The bill establishes new protections in Massachusetts General Laws (Section 20P), covering communications between employees and unions, employees and union attorneys, and internal union deliberations. Exceptions include communications related to crimes/fraud, breach of duty claims, or documented evidence where a union rep is an attesting witness. This privilege applies across all relevant labor laws governing unions (chapters 150A, 150E, and 161A).
This bill requires Massachusetts gas companies to develop and submit detailed "just transition plans" to the Department of Public Utilities. These plans must ensure workforce stability and training as companies shift toward clean energy, including maintaining staffing levels as of January 1, 2025 (unless approved through collective bargaining or a department hearing), and providing cross-training for workers moving to renewable energy roles. Companies must outline how they will retain skilled workers for pipeline maintenance until 2050 or pipeline retirement, while also training staff for non-pipeline alternatives like hydrogen and renewable natural gas. The bill directly affects all gas distribution, transmission, and pipeline companies operating in Massachusetts under Chapter 164.
By Representative Biele of Boston, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2068) of David Biele relative to collective bargaining rights of certain administrative employees. Labor and Workforce Development.
By Mr. Lewis, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1873) of Jason M. Lewis and James B. Eldridge for legislation relative to collective bargaining rights for employees of the committee for public counsel services. Public Service.
By Mr. Payano, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1364) of Pavel M. Payano, Vanna Howard, Michael D. Brady, James K. Hawkins and other members of the General Court for legislation to streamline state employee collective bargaining. Labor and Workforce Development.
