Community News
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Assembly Bill 359, by Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez, D-San Diego, was backed by labor unions and opposed by business interests. The California Chamber of Commerce included it in its annual list of “job killer” bills.
“The author and sponsors have committed to clarify that the law would not apply to a grocery store that has ceased operations for six months or more,” Brown wrote. “I look forward to receiving that fix before the end of this legislative session.”
Gov. Jerry Brown signed legislation Monday requiring grocery store owners to retain employees for at least 90 days after a merger or buyout, handing a victory to labor unions in a closely watched bill.
In addition to preventing a grocery store owner from firing workers without cause during that 90-day period, the legislation requires the store’s new owner to consider offering those workers continued employment.
In a rare signing message, Brown, a Democrat, said it is not clear how the bill would apply to grocery stores that closed before being re-opened by a new owner.
With heated controversy in recent years surrounding public pensions, municipal bankruptcies and political campaigns, public support for labor unions has plunged in California. For the first time, more voters say these organizations do more harm than good.
A new Field Poll reveals a dramatic 16 percentage point swing in public opinion from two years ago. Forty-five percent of registered voters now believe that unions do more harm than good, compared to 40 percent who say they do more good.
This summer's Bay Area Rapid Transit system drama has also raised the question of whether public transit workers should be allowed to strike. In September, Senate Republican leader Bob Huff, R-Diamond Bar, introduced a bill to strip them of that right.
Though a slight plurality of Californians - 47 percent - still believe public transit workers should be able to strike, a majority of the usually liberal San Francisco Bay Area - 52 percent - is now opposed.
via: http://blogs.sacbee.com/capitolalertlatest/2013/12/am-alert-support-for-labor-unions-plummets-in-california.html#storylink=cpy
Read more here: http://blogs.sacbee.com/capitolalertlatest/2013/12/am-alert-support-for-labor-unions-plummets-in-california.html#storylink=cpy
