HI HB1651

Establishes a new bargaining unit (unit 15) for graduate student assistants employed by the University of Hawaii, granting them collective bargaining rights under Hawaii Revised Statutes Chapter 89.

Amends Section 89-6(a) to add graduate student assistants as an appropriate bargaining unit alongside existing units for blue collar workers, white collar workers, teachers, faculty, nurses, and other public employees.

Amends Section 89-6(d) to grant voting authority over graduate student assistant negotiations to the governor (3 votes), the board of regents of the University of Hawaii (2 votes), and the president of the University of Hawaii (1 vote).

Amends Section 89-6(f) to exclude graduate student assistants from the part-time employee exemption (workers under 20 hours per week), allowing them to organize even if working part-time.

Amends Section 89-11(d) to include graduate student assistants in the impasse resolution procedures available to certain bargaining units, including mediation and board intervention.