Two recently introduced bills would improve transparency in the collective bargaining the process for government and school employees negotiating the salaries and benefits.
Currently, government transparency laws do not apply to collective bargaining negotiations for public employees.
Senate Bill 448, introduced by Sen. Ryan Aument (R-Elizabethtown), would remove this exemption from the Sunshine Act.
Senate Bill 449, introduced by Sen. Scott Martin (R- Lancaster County), under the state’s Right To Know Law, would add collective bargaining to the classification of information available to the public.
“In my experience in local government, the process works best when the public is involved and knows what taxpayer resources are being offered by their elected officials and demanded by employee bargaining units,” Martin said. “Contract negotiations can have a significant impact on taxpayers, not only in the amount of money deducted from their paychecks, but also in the form of strikes and other disruptions in the lives of students, parents, employees and citizens who rely on government services. Shining a light on that process will only improve the final product.”
Lawmakers have a responsibility to ensure taxpayers have access to information, Aument said.
Twelve states require public access to collective bargaining for government and school employees.