Transcript Highlights:

• Bhai or representative from labor. Director J. Bhai or representative from labor. Aloha.
• <00:09:40.480> relations director of labor industrial relations director of labor industrial
• <00:14:41.040> and requires the Department of Labor and requires the Department of Labor and
• Senator Milwaukee >> Labor<00:20:22.799> Department >> Labor Department >> Labor
• > technology<00:35:28.160> is committee on labor and technology is committee on labor and

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Committee on Labor and Technology heard testimony on several labor-related bills. SB 2567 would allow public employers to seek temporary restraining orders against harassment of employees; the Judiciary, DHS, DOE, and others supported it, with some asking that coverage be broadened to all public employees. The Judiciary said it would not oppose expanding the bill’s scope. The chair deferred decision-making on SB 2567 to February 13, 2026, to allow further discussion with the Judiciary and Attorney General’s Office. SB 2386 would expand pay-transparency requirements for job listings and lower the small-employer exemption threshold from 50 to 25 employees. Testifiers largely supported the measure, citing transparency and retention benefits, while one opposition was noted. The committee voted to pass SB 2386 with amendments, including changing the effective date to January 1, 2077. SB 2389, the Warehouse Workers Protection Act, drew support from labor advocates but concerns from DLIR and the Attorney General’s Office about enforcement and a prosecutorial provision; after questions about quota tracking and recordkeeping, the chair deferred the bill. SB 2663 would require employers to respond in writing to workers’ compensation treatment plans within seven days and establish related penalties. DLIR opposed the bill as drafted, citing fairness and existing statutory conflicts, while injured workers and labor representatives supported it and described long delays in treatment approvals. The committee voted to pass SB 2663 with amendments, including directing fines to the special compensation fund, clarifying enforcement, and setting the effective date to January 1, 2077. SB 2555 would allow retirees to work in succession-planning positions without losing retirement benefits; ERS supported the intent but suggested an annual reporting requirement and noted existing rehire mechanisms. The committee voted to pass SB 2555 with amendments, including an annual report requirement and the same January 1, 2077 effective date. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• me, missed labor.
• So, um, it did pass out of the labor committee. So, I just want to add that.
• So, um, it did pass out of the labor committee. So, I just want to add that.
• So, um, it did pass out of the labor committee. So, I just want to add that.
• maybe see if the Department of Labor maybe see if the Department of Labor would<00:18:56.000>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Everybody, the Senate Labor Committee is called to order.
• Welcome to the Senate Labor Committee.
• And so, it says Labor Standards Act.
• <00:43:14.200> market recognized out in the labor market recognized out in the labor market
• And it the Senate Labor Committee.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• > management are a non-profit labor management are a non-profit labor management committee<01:
• pay, labor classification, all of that. pay, labor classification, all of that.
• Um under Minnesota's existing labor Um under Minnesota's existing labor standard<01:04:00.880>
• of my head but employee names, labor of my head but employee names, labor classification,<01:04:
• Department of Labor and Industry. Department of Labor and Industry.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• the state faces an unprecedented labor the state faces an unprecedented labor shortage.<00:03:29.239
• for violations of the Child Labor Act. for violations of the Child Labor Act.
• Welcome to the Labor Committee.
• Welcome to the Labor Committee. Welcome to the Labor Committee.
• Department of Labor throughout 2024. Department of Labor throughout 2024.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'd like to call the Joint Committee on Labor and Workforce Development to order.
• The labor force, filling job vacancies, and fully utilizing their talents.
• Our community colleges, employers, labor, and philanthropy.
• They mentioned that it would be helpful if the labor could be delayed or stopped.
• The Labor and Workforce Committee is adjourned.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Labor and Workforce Development heard testimony on several workforce-related bills, with most of the hearing focused on ESOL and apprenticeship legislation, followed by testimony on a four-day workweek pilot and paid prenatal leave. On ESOL, witnesses including the Boston Foundation, Skillworks, MassINC, MIRA, JVS Boston, Eastern Bank, immigrant advocates, employers, and legislators supported H.2080/S.1326, arguing that Massachusetts has a large backlog of limited-English-proficiency residents waiting for classes, that ESOL is essential to economic mobility and immigrant integration, and that the state needs a coordinated, statewide strategy with more vocational and workplace-focused English instruction. Testifiers cited long waitlists, fragmented delivery across agencies, labor shortages, and examples of workplace English programs helping immigrants gain jobs, advance careers, and support businesses. Committee members asked questions about how vocational ESOL differs from standard classes, and witnesses explained that it focuses on job-specific language and workplace scenarios. The committee also heard strong support for H.2085/S.1303, which would require more use of registered apprentices on public construction projects over $1 million. Labor leaders from the Massachusetts AFL-CIO and Massachusetts Building Trades, along with electricians and apprentices, said the bill would help apprentices complete training by ensuring enough job-site hours, expand access to good union careers, and strengthen the construction workforce for housing, infrastructure, and clean energy work. Several witnesses defended existing apprenticeship ratios and electrical licensing standards, warning against deregulation and emphasizing safety. Committee members asked about project thresholds and apprenticeship ratios, and witnesses said the bill’s phased apprentice-hour requirement was intended to cover most public projects under current cost conditions. The committee then heard testimony on S.1330, a four-day workweek pilot program. Senator Dillon Fernandez and Representative Shirley Arriaga described the proposal as a response to burnout, affordability pressures, and changing workplace norms, arguing that a pilot would let Massachusetts study whether shorter workweeks improve productivity, retention, and worker well-being. Witnesses said the model could help families balance caregiving and commuting while maintaining or improving output. Finally, the committee took testimony on S.1361, establishing paid prenatal leave. Parents, health advocates, March of Dimes, and others said paid leave would help pregnant workers attend critical prenatal appointments, reduce missed care, and improve maternal and infant health outcomes. Several speakers shared personal stories about high-risk pregnancies, pregnancy loss, and the financial strain of taking unpaid time off. No votes were taken during the hearing; the committee primarily received testimony and asked a limited number of questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• Today's labor bill is, again, we've heard it before.
• Minnesota is a labor state.
• table so that labor can be involved in the committee.
• And we did, again, in the Labor Committee.
• I really appreciate the green votes today on the Labor Workforce Bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• But before we get into that, let me first speak briefly to all of the auto labor rate bills.
• There is no need to create a statutory floor for labor rates in the Commonwealth.
• There is no need to create a statutory floor for labor rates in the Commonwealth.
• Unfortunately, labor rates in Massachusetts have remained stagnant for decades.
• So you're not caught 20 years later with the same labor rate.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Financial Services Committee heard testimony on several insurance, transportation, and labor-related bills. Senator Edwards supported bills addressing app-based delivery workers, arguing that food-delivery drivers should be treated as employees with protections and mileage reimbursement, and that a small surcharge on app-based deliveries could raise revenue for the Commonwealth and localities. Kevin Brousseau of the Massachusetts AFL-CIO also backed the delivery-worker bill, saying it would preserve employee status, add data transparency, and create a process for challenging deactivations. MAPC supported a bill to change transportation network company fees from a flat per-ride charge to a percentage-based assessment, saying the current fee is outdated and that a higher fee could raise more transportation revenue and help address congestion and emissions. A large portion of the hearing focused on auto insurance and collision repair issues. Insurance industry witnesses supported a bill to limit attorney’s fees in PIP cases by giving insurers 30 days after a complaint is served to pay amounts due without fee exposure, arguing that PIP litigation has surged, is clogging courts, and is being driven by out-of-state firms. They also opposed auto body labor-rate bills, saying the market is already adjusting and that a statutory floor is unnecessary. In contrast, auto body shop representatives and the Alliance of Automotive Service Providers of Massachusetts urged favorable action on bills to raise and regularly update collision repair labor rates, saying current reimbursement levels are far below market, have not kept pace with inflation or vehicle technology, and are making it hard to retain workers and keep small shops open. One witness also supported a bill to limit insurance surcharge points for low-damage accidents or minor moving violations. Committee members asked questions about deactivation rights for delivery workers, the mechanics of the PIP litigation issue, and the gap between body-shop and mechanical labor rates. Testimony emphasized that current auto body reimbursement rates are around the mid-$40s per hour, while mechanical work can be reimbursed at much higher rates, and that advisory-board discussions have produced only limited progress. At the end of the hearing, the chairs asked if anyone else wished to testify, then moved to close the hearing; the motion was seconded and approved unanimously.

Transcript Highlights:

• The National Labor Relations Act and National Labor Relations Board established workers' rights to organize
• Rich Templin: the National Labor Relations Board.
• They are not union, but they want our skilled labor.
• Contractors voluntarily come to us for skilled labor.
• I'm an attorney and labor policy expert across the country.

Transcript Highlights:

• Labor force participation also increased during that slowdown, which also coincided with an increase
• To the Department of Labor is outlined in the bill as the enforcement agency for this bill.
• I did receive contact from the Department of Labor.
• somewhere else, regardless Of what the nature of that labor force is.
• The Department of Labor enforces a lot of laws on our books with employers across the state.

Bills: HB3725, HB3260, HB3660, HB3369, HB3370

Keywords: labor, e-verification, immigration, employers, employment eligibility, Department of Labor, penalties, funeral licensing, continuing education, Oklahoma Funeral Directors Association, professional development, licensing requirements, HB3660, natural organic reduction, human composting, soil reduction, green burial, funeral services, cremation, burial permit

Transcript Highlights:

• They remove the requirement that the Commissioner of Labor and Workforce Development prepare a pamphlet
• And when the Labor Commissioner was here, we've had a lot of discussion about this, I asked how many
• And when the Labor Commissioner was here, we've had a lot of discussion about this, I asked how many
• With the Department of Labor, we were assured that insurance and financial services providers are not
• We were told by the Department of Labor, no, no, no, no, no, no.

Keywords: 1146, all

Transcript Highlights:

• One, of course, is labor.
• And labor, immigration policies, and the associated rising labor costs are going to impact the agricultural
• And the labor, the immigration policies and the associated rising labor costs is going to be an impact
• Water and labor. And water, we have SGMA going on.
• Labor is a concern.

Summary: The joint informational hearing of the Assembly Committees on Economic Development, Growth, and Household Impact and Agriculture, held at Fresno State, focused on cost pressures in California’s food system, household affordability, and the Central Valley’s role in agriculture. Opening remarks emphasized Fresno State’s regional importance, the Central Valley’s outsized contribution to food production, and the connection between agricultural health, food security, and the broader economy. Members also noted the impact of the federal shutdown on CalFresh benefits and the state’s efforts to respond with food assistance funding and National Guard support for food banks. The first panel featured academic and policy experts who described agriculture’s economic importance in the San Joaquin Valley and the rising pressures on farms and households. Dr. Conduro highlighted agriculture’s large share of regional GDP, farm receipts, jobs, exports, and food manufacturing, while identifying water scarcity, SGMA-related land fallowing, labor shortages and rising labor costs, market volatility, invasive pests, and production cost inflation as major barriers. Caroline Danielson of PPIC said food prices remain about 30% above 2019 levels, food insecurity affects about 1.8 million California households, and nutrition programs such as CalFresh, WIC, and school meals are essential in reducing poverty, especially in the Central Valley. Susie Pryor of the Central California Small Business Development Center described technical assistance, capital access, and training for small food and farm businesses, while warning that reduced funding limits support for rural and immigrant entrepreneurs. The second panel brought testimony from a small produce business owner, a food entrepreneur, and the Fresno County Farm Bureau. They said input costs for fertilizer, fuel, irrigation, labor, land leases, and compliance have risen sharply while commodity prices have remained flat or fallen, squeezing small farms and food businesses. Panelists stressed the need for small-batch processing facilities, local supply chains, education on food manufacturing compliance, land access for small farmers, and more pathways into agriculture through trade programs, community colleges, and FFA. Ryan Jacobson said California agriculture is facing a prolonged downturn, with farm bankruptcies, weak commodity prices, export-market uncertainty, water reliability problems, and costly ag-burning rules all contributing to financial strain. No formal votes or legislative actions were taken; the hearing was informational and concluded with discussion of possible policy solutions and continued engagement with stakeholders.

Transcript Highlights:

• November 17th, 2025, and I would like to welcome you to the ninth hearing of the Joint Committee on Labor
• to start with H. 2168 and S. 1319, an act relative to unemployment insurance and compensation for labor
• Chrissy Lynch continued: “Unemployment insurance and compensation for labor disputes.
• “The right to strike is a hard-fought right that we celebrate every Labor Day with many of you.
• As everyone has spoken before, labor across the state is under siege.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Labor and Workforce Development held a hybrid hearing on legislation concerning unemployment insurance, non-compete agreements, prevailing wage, and minimum wage issues. Committee leaders outlined the hearing process, asked witnesses to keep oral testimony to three minutes, and invited written testimony through November 20. No votes were taken during the hearing; it ended with a motion to adjourn and notice of the next hearing on November 20. Much of the testimony focused on bills to expand unemployment insurance for striking workers, including H. 2168 and S. 1319. Labor leaders, union members, and legal advocates argued that workers who are out on strike for more than 30 days should be able to receive UI benefits, saying the policy would help workers and families meet basic expenses, reduce employers’ ability to “wait out” strikes, and encourage good-faith bargaining. Speakers cited recent strikes, including the Republic Services strike, and said the proposal would not meaningfully increase strike activity or strain the UI trust fund. Another major topic was minimum wage legislation, especially H. 2107/S. 1349 to raise the minimum wage to $20 by 2029 and index it to inflation, and H. 2191 to create a $25 enhanced care worker minimum wage. Supporters said current wages are not keeping pace with housing, food, and childcare costs, and that care workers, direct support staff, and human service employees face chronic vacancies, burnout, and turnover. Testimony also supported H. 2126 on prevailing wage by adding apprenticeship and training contributions to the wage calculation, and H. 2159 and S. 1363 on prevailing wage-related issues. One witness, Russell Beck, testified against S. 1336, which would ban non-competes, and against H. 2118, arguing Massachusetts’ current non-compete law is a balanced compromise that should not be disrupted.

Transcript Highlights:

• I urge you to not repeal the Labor Pool Act; strengthen it, enforce it.
• That's exactly what the Labor Pool Act provides.
• If repealed, Most protections in the Labor Pool Act would be lost entirely.
• Other protections in the Labor Pool Act would be weakened significantly.
• Labor pools also cannot charge workers for required uniforms or safety gear under the Labor Pool Act

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The Minnesota Senate Labor Committee will come to order.
• structured as a grant to a labor structured as a grant to a labor organization<00:09:30.600>
• We are at the Department of Labor and Industry.
• We are at the Department of Labor and Industry.
• <00:48:51.839> and approved by the Department of Labor and approved by the Department of Labor

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Yvonne Fernandez, on behalf of the California Labor Federation, in support. Thank you.
• At the Labor Commissioner's Office, tens of thousands of wage claims remain backlogged, often taking
• Madam Chair and members, Yvonne Fernandez on behalf of the California Labor Federation in support.
• Thank you very much. ...as amended to the Labor Committee, and we do have a motion and second.
• The motion is due pass as amended and re-referred to the Committee on Labor and Employment.

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Public Employment and Retirement heard three bills. SB 939 by Senator Laird, sponsored by CalPERS, would end new enrollment in the actuarial equivalent reduction option for service credit purchases starting in 2028 and require any unpaid balance at retirement to be paid within 90 days. The author said the change would reduce unintended consequences for members, employers, and CalPERS administration. There was no opposition, and the bill was approved on a unanimous vote and sent to Appropriations. SB 1038, also by Senator Laird and sponsored by CSEA, would expand CalPERS audit notification procedures so bargaining units receive notice when an employer is audited and receive relevant member information from final audit reports. Supporters said this would help unions protect members from benefit reductions or repayment demands caused by payroll or compensation errors, citing a Kern High School District audit example. Teamsters, the California Labor Federation, and AFSCME testified in support, with no opposition. The committee passed the bill unanimously and sent it to Appropriations. SB 1227 by Senator Drozdoff/Dorazo (as referenced in the transcript) would require the Department of Industrial Relations to work with unions on apprenticeship pathways into enforcement jobs, such as Cal/OSHA and Labor Commissioner classifications, to address staffing shortages and backlogs. The author and supporters from United Steelworkers, SEIU Local 1000, CSEA, the California Labor Federation, and others argued apprenticeship would create a pipeline of trained workers and improve labor law enforcement. The committee accepted amendments, voted the bill out on a unanimous vote, and re-referred it to the Committee on Labor and Employment.

Transcript Highlights:

• Forced labor continues to plague supply chains and industries.
• Forced labor continues to plague supply chains and industries.
• , and child labor.
• and child laborers.
• Have we clearly exempted prison labor?

Summary: The Governmental Organization Committee heard a series of bills on holidays, procurement, public safety, and business regulation. AB 268 would add Diwali as an official state holiday and allow schools and state workers limited flexibility to observe it; supporters described it as a recognition of California’s large South Asian and Hindu communities, and there was no opposition. AB 770 would define “customary maintenance” for outdoor advertising displays to clarify what repairs and reinforcements are allowed; the bill was presented as a safety and consistency measure for the billboard industry. AB 783 would authorize the Department of General Services to negotiate bulk pricing for construction materials to help disaster-affected communities rebuild more affordably, with supporters from the housing and building sectors and some members raising concerns about state contracting, storage, and implementation. AB 381 would update state procurement rules to better prevent human trafficking and forced labor in supply chains, aligning state policy with federal standards and drawing support from anti-trafficking advocates, labor, and local government representatives. AB 668 would extend drink-spiking prevention measures to music festivals by requiring test strips, drink lids, and reporting procedures; supporters emphasized victim safety and underreporting, while venue operators opposed the bill unless amended, citing feasibility and cost concerns. AB 880 would require prompt payment and indirect cost coverage for nonprofits contracting with the state, with broad nonprofit support and no opposition. AB 989 would make California Native American Day a paid holiday, with tribal and allied support. AB 592 would extend and expand temporary outdoor dining and alcohol service flexibilities for restaurants, with strong support from restaurant and business groups and opposition from alcohol policy advocates who preferred a narrower or permanent grandfathering approach. Most bills advanced on committee votes, generally on party-line or broad bipartisan support. AB 770 was moved to Appropriations, AB 783 was passed as amended to the Assembly Committee on Emergency Management, AB 381 was sent to Labor, AB 668 and AB 880 were sent to Appropriations, AB 989 was sent to Public Employees and Retirement, and AB 592 was sent to Health. The committee also took up a consent calendar containing several additional bills, which was approved. The hearing ended with the roll left open for additional votes and adjournment at 3:17 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• Madam Chair, Sarah Flock, California Federation of Labor Unions. Thank you. Thank you.
• They're required by law, and they're labor represented.
• Because I would think that as most... ...most labor unions out here would rather have their own labor
• Caitlin Vega, for the California Federation of Labor Unions, here in strong support.
• Sarah Flox, California Federation of Labor Unions, in support. I'm not that tall, I swear.

Summary: The committee heard several labor and employment measures. AB 465 would require local public employers, at a union’s request, to negotiate minimum disciplinary and grievance procedures in MOUs, including progressive discipline, just-cause protections, grievance appeal rights, and paid release time for representatives. Supporters, including AFSCME and SEIU, said it would create fairer and more consistent due process protections for local government workers; opponents from county and city groups argued it would impose binding arbitration and rigid discipline rules that could undermine local flexibility and accountability. The bill passed on a 5-0 vote and was re-referred to Appropriations. AB 792 would allow court interpreter bargaining to be consolidated when multiple regions are negotiating at the same time. The author and the California Federation of Interpreters said the change would reduce repeated bargaining, improve efficiency, and help address interpreter recruitment and retention. There was no opposition, but some members questioned whether the proposal would really solve wage and staffing problems; the bill passed 5-0 and was placed on hold. AB 1309, which would improve Cal Fire firefighter compensation by tying salaries more closely to comparable local fire departments, drew strong support from firefighters and no opposition. Members praised Cal Fire’s work and the bill passed 7-0 and was held for add-ons. The committee also approved AJR 8, a resolution urging protection of Social Security and opposing federal cuts or office closures. Supporters said Social Security is essential to seniors, veterans, people with disabilities, and children, and warned that reductions would increase poverty and homelessness. One member objected to naming political figures in the resolution, but the measure still passed 7-0 and was held. AB 1247, which would require contracted-out school classified workers to meet the same training and qualification standards as direct hires and address related retirement contributions, passed 5-2 despite opposition from county superintendents and school administrators who said it would add costs and limit contracting flexibility. Finally, AB 288, which would authorize PERB to act when the NLRB fails to remedy labor claims by a deadline, passed 6-0 with strong union support and no opposition.

Transcript Highlights:

• Good morning, and welcome to the Senate Committee on Commerce and Labor.
• Hi, good morning, Chair, and members of Senate Commerce and Labor.
• Good morning, Chair, members of Commerce and Labor.
• It's ironic we're here to talk about the commerce of labor today.
• Very true, but this 5% employ over 60% of the labor force in Nevada, and over 60% of the labor force

Keywords: 909, all

Transcript Highlights:

• workers out on strike over unfair labor workers out on strike over unfair labor practices<00:14:
• And it comes to the decision: do we withhold our labor in order to do that?
• And it comes to the decision: do we withhold our labor in order to do that?
• <00:31:29.240> in decision do we withhold our labor in decision do we withhold our labor in
• employed in violation of child labor laws rose by 283 percent.

Bills: HF3023, HF3078, HF107, HF2171, HF3079, HF689, HF1316

Keywords: unemployment benefits, iron ore mining, economic support, workforce development, Minnesota, unemployment insurance, deferred resignation, employment, worker rights, benefits eligibility, Ellsworth Independent School District, ISD 514, school construction, school renovation, sales tax exemption, use tax refund, construction materials, HVAC replacement, boiler replacement, window replacement