H.R.2736 - Public Service Freedom to Negotiate Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.2736, the Public Service Freedom to Negotiate Act of 2025, aims to establish federal minimum standards for collective bargaining rights for public employees. It grants these employees the right to organize, act concertedly, and bargain collectively. The bill mandates the Federal Labor Relations Authority (FLRA) to determine if state laws substantially provide for these rights. States failing to meet these standards would then be subject to FLRA oversight.
Expected Effects
The bill's passage would likely lead to increased unionization among public sector employees in states with weaker collective bargaining laws. This could result in improved wages, benefits, and working conditions for these employees. It also potentially shifts power dynamics between public employers and their employees.
Potential Benefits
- Strengthened collective bargaining rights for public employees, potentially leading to better wages and benefits.
- Establishes a federal standard, ensuring a baseline level of protection for public sector workers across all states.
- Provides a mechanism for resolving impasses in collective bargaining through mediation, arbitration, or comparable procedures.
- Could lead to improved public services due to enhanced employee morale and productivity.
- Promotes a more equitable balance of power between public employers and employees.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for increased labor costs for state and local governments, potentially leading to higher taxes or reduced public services.
- Possible disruptions to public services due to strikes or other job actions, although the bill prohibits such actions for emergency services and law enforcement when public safety is imperiled.
- Could lead to increased bureaucracy and administrative burdens for state and local governments.
- Potential for conflicts between federal and state laws regarding collective bargaining.
- Some states may perceive this as federal overreach into state labor relations.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's constitutional alignment is rooted in the Commerce Clause (Article I, Section 8), which grants Congress the power to regulate interstate commerce. The bill argues that securing collective bargaining rights for public employees promotes the free flow of commerce. The First Amendment's guarantee of freedom of association also supports the right of public employees to organize and bargain collectively. However, the Tenth Amendment reserves powers not delegated to the federal government to the states, raising potential concerns about federal intrusion into state labor relations.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).