VT S0264

Assistant Attorneys General in Vermont would gain the right to organize and bargain collectively under the State Employees Labor Relations Act, forming one or more statewide bargaining units as determined by the Vermont Labor Relations Board.

The Office of the Attorney General is added as a separate employer entity for collective bargaining purposes, with the Attorney General or designee serving as the employer representative in negotiations.

The Attorney General gains authority to designate positions within the office as managerial, supervisory, or confidential employees (who would be excluded from bargaining units), with disputes resolved by the Labor Relations Board.

Collective bargaining agreements reached by the Office of the Attorney General require ratification by unit members, submission to the Governor and General Assembly, and appropriation of sufficient funds before taking effect at the start of the next fiscal year.

The bill takes effect upon passage and allows the Attorney General to request funding through the budget adjustment process for costs related to the initial collective bargaining agreement if timing prevents use of the regular budget process.