HB 2720 Summary

• Establishes a new bargaining unit (unit 16) for graduate assistants employed by the University of Hawaii and community college system, implementing a Hawaii Labor Relations Board determination that graduate assistants are public employees entitled to collective bargaining rights.

• Defines "graduate assistant" as a student in a renewable, part-time academic appointment with teaching and research responsibilities who functions as a professional apprentice in the university community.

• Grants the governor three votes, the University of Hawaii Board of Regents two votes, and the University of Hawaii president one vote in negotiations with the graduate assistant bargaining unit.

• Extends impasse resolution procedures under section 89-11 to include graduate assistants, allowing voluntary mediation during the first 20 days of impasse and mandatory mediation through day 50 before parties may pursue other remedies.

• Takes effect July 1, 2055.