HB 5444 Summary

• Expands unfair labor practices to include employer surveillance of employee union activities, blacklisting of employees exercising union rights, and misrepresenting bargaining unit inclusion or exclusion to employees.

• Prohibits employers from permanently replacing employees who participate in strikes.

• Requires negotiations between employers and union representatives to commence within 30 days of union designation or election, unless both parties mutually agree otherwise or the board orders a delay.

• Establishes rules for union representation elections, including provisions that individuals hired during strikes or lockouts cannot vote and elections must not involve employer participation or assistance.

• Effective date of July 1, 2022 for amendments to Connecticut General Statutes sections 31-105 and 31-106.