CA AB418

Establishes a new privilege protecting confidential communications between union agents and represented employees or former employees made during representation.

Allows union agents and represented workers to refuse disclosure of privileged communications in court proceedings, administrative hearings, arbitrations, and other proceedings.

Permits disclosure by union agents when defendants or organizations are sued, when the worker consents in writing or orally after full disclosure, or when required by court order.

Exempts the privilege if disclosure is necessary to prevent a criminal act likely to cause death or substantial bodily harm, or if the communication was made to enable or aid a crime or fraud.

Specifies the privilege does not apply in criminal proceedings and amends existing privilege law to include the union agent-represented worker privilege alongside attorney-client, physician-patient, and other established privileges.