SF 4083 Summary

• Proposes adding Article IV to the Minnesota Constitution granting people the right to organize, form, join, or assist labor organizations and bargain collectively with public or private employers through an exclusive representative.

• Defines collective bargaining as the mutual obligation of employers and employee representatives to negotiate in good faith regarding wages, hours, and terms and conditions of employment, but neither party is compelled to agree to proposals or make concessions.

• Prohibits state and local laws from abridging, impairing, or limiting collective bargaining rights, except the state may restrict strikes by public employees; state employment laws cannot limit bargaining for wages, hours, and conditions exceeding minimum legislative standards.

• Prohibits state and local laws from restricting negotiation and enforcement of collective bargaining agreements, including provisions for employees' financial support of their labor union representative.

• Requires submission of the amendment to voters at the 2018 general election with a three-part question addressing union rights, invalidation of restrictive laws, and override of conflicting employment regulations.