Bill Proposes Negotiation Rights For State Workers

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) -- A state Senate panel will hear testimony on a bill to expand collective bargaining rights to certain state employees.

Sen. Catherine Pugh's bill, which would extend salary negotiation options to workers in the Office of the Comptroller,
the Maryland Transportation Authority, the State Retirement Agency and the Maryland State Department of Education, will be heard Thursday afternoon by the Senate Finance Committee.

A legislative analysis of the bill suggests that, if passed, it could affect as many as 2,500 employees, an almost 10 percent increase in workers represented by bargaining units.

A version of the bill was heard by a House of Delegates committee in February. It has not received a vote.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)