Labor & Employment

This bill amends Vermont's collective bargaining law (3 V.S.A. §§ 941, 1021, 1581, 1584, 1992) to clarify who qualifies for union representation. It redefines "employee" to exclude judges, court staff, interns, probationary workers, and certain managers (Sec. 5), while adjusting petition thresholds: 30% signatures for new bargaining units and 50%+1 for ending union representation (Sec. 5a). It also requires school districts to hold referendums using 50%+1 signatures to challenge current union representation (Sec. 5d). The bill directly affects public-sector workers in state agencies and schools, altering how unions form and gain recognition.

This joint resolution (JRS 15) is a symbolic statement of support for Vermont's transgender and non-binary community, not a new law. It reaffirms Vermont's existing commitments to anti-discrimination protections in areas like employment, housing, and healthcare, as well as its policies allowing gender marker changes on vital records and protecting gender-affirming care. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a copy to the Pride Center of Vermont and Outright Vermont. It does not create new legal obligations or alter current policies.