What are the laws on collective bargaining?

Collective bargaining is a law that allows employees to negotiate wages and other terms with their employer as a group, instead of individually. In California, the Public Employment Relations Board (PERB) is responsible for administering the collective bargaining laws that protect and promote the rights of public employees, employers, and unions. Under the collective bargaining law, public employees have the right to organize, to form or join a union, and to bargain collectively with their employer over wages and other conditions of employment. The employer is required to bargain in good faith with the union and to make decisions that are fair to both management and labor. The collective bargaining process begins with the union and employer exchanging proposals, followed by meetings and negotiations. If the parties cannot agree, they ask the Public Employment Relations Board to come in and mediate. The Board can also investigate unfair labor practices and take action against employers who violate the collective bargaining law. Not every public employee has the right to bargain collectively. Some members of the California state and local government are excluded, such as management employees and supervisors. Collective bargaining does not cover issues related to policy, such as closing a school, but it does address wages, benefits, working conditions, and other issues related to employment.

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